In the May 29 edition of your newspaper, with the headline “Retirees and rookies,” I spotted a familiar face in Patsy Vickers who to my surprise was calling it quits. I felt compelled to write this letter of thanks for all of the retirees especially Patsy Vickers who helped mold me as a student at North Edgecombe High School over 30 years ago.
Mrs. Vickers has not changed and is still one of the most caring individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting and working with as a student and reporter. She was more than just my business education teacher, she taught me to love shorthand and typing on an electric typewriter. But most of all, she taught me how to manage money.
She hired me as her assistant to help grade papers,(not my class, of course), clean the blackboard and organize the classroom for the next day. She paid me $5 a week. Thirty years ago, $5 went a long way in helping a girl of 14 keep her image of a “nifty dresser.”
She was also a great mentor and has remained so all of these years. I love the world of business because of her. When I went to Edgecombe Community College after high school, my shorthand teacher Mrs. Stallings was impressed because of my skill I achieved in high school. It was easy to graduate with 100 wpm in shorthand and 90 wpm in typing.
I’m so excited that Mrs. Vickers is finally taking some time for herself and her family. Her great friendship, leadership and dedication has helped me become the person I am today and helped me mold my daughters.
For all of the students from the class of 1976 who were privileged to have Patsy Vickers as a teacher and mentor, I personally say, “Thank you.”
Viola Savage Harris
Tarboro
