RECOGNIZING HEROES
Carneice B. White
Carneice B. White was a respected black teacher in Denver Public Schools for over 40 years. Her passion and kindness still live on today. She is best remembered for convincing continental airlines to fly her students to Colorado Springs on a field trip. Her love of learning and the love of her students uplifted their brilliance.
Marie L. Greenwood
Marie L. Greenwood always strived to make the world a better place. Marie Greenwood was the first teacher of color in Colorado to receive tenure and led the way for teachers of color working in Denver Public Schools. From her service on DPS committees to her volunteer work for early learning programs, her passion for children and education never faded. She was a regular visitor to Greenwood Elementary into her 90s. Greenwood believed in the brilliance of children and can be seen not just through her book, Every Child Can Learn, but also through the lives she changed.
Anna Jo Haynes
Anna Jo Haynes spent over 50 years improving the lives of children across Colorado. Her visionary leadership brought the Head Start program and Mile High Montessori Early Learning Centers to Denver. She has also been a driving force in the Denver Preschool Program, helping bring high-quality preschool to every child in Denver. Her work has been recognized nationally, but it is felt most closely by the community members across Denver who's lives and education have been made brighter.
Rachel B. Noel
Rachel B. Noel was the first black woman elected to public office in Colorado and the first black woman elected to the DPS Board of Education. She wrote and introduced the Noel Resolution and was a key member in the landmark Keyes vs. Denver School District No.1 case which helped end segregation in DPS. Her outstanding work helped pave the way for future leaders.
Omar D. Blair
Omar D. Blair was the first African-American to serve as President on the DPS Board of Education. Blair fought to change the lives of students in Denver by helping to dismantle segregation in DPS. Omar received an honorary doctorate for his years of service to education. Denver recognized his excellence in 2003 with the Blair-Elvin Caldwell African American Research Library.
Evie Dennis
Evie Dennis fought to end segregation in DPS. Her passion for children led her to leave the medical field to teach in Colorado. She later went on to become the Superintendent. She helped guide the school system through a complicated and divisive period. Her inspiring achievements are still felt today.
Linda Bates Leali
Linda Bates Leali fought alongside Evie Dennis to end school segregation. She served as the Principal of Manual High School for 10 years. Her "WE CAN" program helped parents be powerful partners in their children's education. Her work helped to decrease the dropout rate and recognized the immediate needs of her student population. Bates' selfless contributions always put students first.
Jessie Maxwell
Jessie Whaley Maxwell was the first African-American Administrator in Denver Public Schools and the state of Colorado. DPS students recall Ms. Maxwell as the first black teacher they saw in the school system. Jessie Whaley Maxwell broke barriers for diversity in school faculty. Like TEN, she believed that all children deserved an opportunity to learn and fought for students to strive for their excellence.
Patricia Slaughter
Pat Slaughter was a longtime DPS educator and leader. After her time teaching, Pat became an assistant principal at MLK College Prep. From there, she went on to be the founding Principal at Rachel B. Noel Middle School. She served Denver's children and families for over 3 decades. Pat believed in the excellence of all children and brought inspiring strength to her work.