Title
Proclamation honoring the life of Ms. Madelyn Hairston Giddens and celebrating the momentous occasion of her 90th birthday.
Body
WHEREAS, on September 16, 2006, a gathering of friends and family will honor Ms. Madelyn Moorer Hairston Giddens for her lifelong achievements and to celebrate the momentous occasion of her 90th birthday; and
WHEREAS, after graduating from McKeesport High School she was accepted as one of two African-American women to the McKeesport Training School for Teachers, transferring to Cheyney State College where she obtained school certification. Ms. Giddens taught second and third grade students in Sumter, South Carolina before returning to Pennsylvania to start the first lending library in McKeesport; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Giddens earned her bachelor of science in English, with a minor in history from Miner Teacher's College in Washington, D.C. and her master's degree in secondary education from the University of Pittsburgh; and
WHEREAS, in 1956, Ms. Giddens, employed by the Pittsburgh Board of Education, taught at Beltzhoover Elementary School, until 1962 when she became the first African-American woman to fill the role of Vice-Principal at Herron Hill Jr. High School. At Herron Hill Jr. High School (renamed Margaret Milliones Middle School) she served as Dean of Students and retired in 1982 as an Assistant Principal; and
WHEREAS, she is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the Pennsylvania Parent Teachers Award. She was the first African-American in Western Pennsylvania to chair the Keystone Reading Council and to chair the Pennsylvania State Conference for Women in Administration. She is a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, the NAACP, the Urban League, and a 60-year member of the historic Saint James A.M.E. Church; and
WHEREAS, she is the proud sponsor of scholarships awarded annually to young students seeking higher education;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Allegheny County Council does hereby recognize the many accomplishments of Ms. Madelyn Moorer Hairston Giddens and joins family and friends in celebrating her 90th birthday. This Council thanks Ms. Giddens for her dedication and commitment to serving our children and communities with care and professionalism.