Cathy Wright awarded Bernice Ratliffe Outstanding Teacher Award

Richmond County Partnership for Children hosted its first Early Childhood Professional Appreciation Banquet since the beginning of the COVID pandemic on Tuesday, May 17 at Cole Auditorium.

Early childhood professionals from across the county were recognized for their educational attainments and some were honored with awards. Parents, caregivers, colleagues and community members were invited to submit nominations to spotlight teachers and centers from across Richmond County.

Mrs. Cathy Wright, NC Pre-K Teacher at Washington Street Elementary School, was presented the Bernice Ratliff Outstanding Teacher Award. Ms. Ratliff was a teacher at Leak Street Head Start who lost her life in a car accident.

“In addition to being a great classroom teacher and model for families, she is also an inspiration for her staff,” reads an excerpt from Wright’s nomination letter. “She always has a smile on her face and an encouraging word for staff members. If anyone is having a bad day, she is the person you need to find. With her crazy phrases and quick jokes, the bad day will disappear. She is the exemplar for what all preschool teachers should strive to be for their students, families and facilities.”