The Shadow
Mrs. Helen Harris, Covington, was awarded the Martin L. King “Drum Major Award” for excellence in education at the 2024 annual MLK Day Walk of Legacy event, sponsored by Helping Other People Excel, Inc., Covington, and Come As You Are Community Ministries, Clifton Forge.
Mrs. Harris graduated from Dubois High School in 1946 and from Bluefield State College in 1951. At that time, Bluefield State College was a historic black college. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in French and Business Education.
She also attended American University in Washington, DC and James Madison University in Harrisonburg. She attended both universities for summer studies and to enhance the subjects that she already taught.
Mrs. Harris and her children moved to Covington in1963, after the death of her husband, Warren F. Harris, Sr.
She taught at Watson High School, Ashwood Elementary School in Hot Springs, and taught English and French at the former Covington High School. She retired from the Covington Public School System after 30 years of service. She is still loved by the students that she taught.
Ms. Harris is a member of the Historic First Baptist Church, Covington, and is grateful to have been selected for this honor.
The award was presented by Wanda Moore, Executive Director, HOPE, and Bishop Alfred Dearing, pastor, CAYA.
