Local

Former Myers Park teacher remembered as dedicated educator

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Students at Myers Park High School are remembering a former teacher as a dedicated educator and activist.

Hiawatha Foster died unexpectedly this weekend.

Loved ones told Channel 9 anchor Blaine Tolison how her legacy will live on.

Friends and colleagues called Foster the teacher of all teachers. CMS hired Foster in 1975.

For many years, she poured her energy into her classroom, the community and life.

"That was that determination you saw in her that she was about the business of educating children, making sure they were successful,” said Communities in Schools representative Marian Yates.

Yates, a retired principal, taught alongside Foster at Myers Park for 18 years. With tears in her eyes, she remembered her dear friend.

"The friendship was one in which we would get together and it was like we've never been apart,” she said.

A letter went out through the Charlotte Mecklenburg Association of Educators Sunday informing them Foster had passed.

It described her life's work as educating children, advocating for strong public schools and fighting for excellent working conditions for all educators.

Foster spoke with Channel 9 over the years, including in 2000 at a summit planning the future of education.

"We can't possibly do it alone and that is my cry. Everyone should get involved,” Foster said in 2000.

Foster was a dedicated educator. Even after she retired she continued as a substitute teacher at Myers Park.

Foster was also an activist and a Democratic delegate. Over the years, she rallied for her cause for better education and attended the Democratic National Convention.

Channel 9 found video of her at the DNC in Boston in 2004.

"This is a do or die. This is the most critical convention I’ve ever attended," she said at the DNC.

And even if you disagreed with her, her friends said she was respectful and still made an impact.

"She made a difference where ever she could and whatever she said, she did it,” Yates said.

Family members have not said how Foster died. Loved ones are still working on details for her memorial.


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