FORMER ASCENSION PARISH EDUCATOR CELEBRATES 96th BIRTHDAY
Mattie Foster Daniels celebrated her 96th birthday, March 17, 2011. Mattie’s career with the Ascension Parish School System spanned almost forty years. In the early 1930’s at the age of seventeen, Mattie became one of a few exceptionally bright young people who were recruited immediately following high school graduation to teach African American children in Ascension Parish. In the following years, Mattie energetically taught students at Marchand School in Hillaryville, Louisiana, while also attending Leland College and obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. As such, she began a phenomenal journey that was permeated by her love for children and her commitment to education.
In fact, Mattie was so committed that during the first thirty years of her tenure, she worked continuously and diligently without missing one day of work. In 1951, Mattie changed educational roles, discarding the role of teacher to become the first African American Elementary Supervisor who was housed in the Ascension Parish School Board’s Central Office. She held the position of supervisor until her retirement in 1970. Humble, kind and meticulous in all endeavors, Mattie continues to be recognized by her passion for learning. Currently, Mattie resides in New Orleans, Louisiana, where she actively participates in a variety of community activities. She devotes special emphasis to involvement in Sunday School, Deaconess and other activities at the New Salem Baptist Church, where she serves under the pastorship of Rev. Warren Jones, Jr. Mattie was married to the late Alvin Daniels, who was also an Ascension Parish Educator. Special congratulations are extended to Mattie Foster Daniels whose association with the Ascension Parish School System left an undeniable imprint on the lives of innumerable students and teachers.