Anita James Price receives “Helen C. Hanes Friend of Education” award
by Lee Pierre
“I want to spend the next chapter of my life making more memories with my family and close friends,” Anita Price remarked when she left City Council. One would have thought that this meant Anita was stepping away from community activities, however, in April 2022, she returned to her position on City Council. It appears that the memories she intends on making are the outpouring of accolades she continuously receives.
On June 22, Price was awarded “The Helen C. Hanes Friend of Education” during the closing ceremony of the 23rd annual Margaret Sue Copenhaver Institute (MSCI) for Teaching and Learning initially funded in September 1999 by the Hanes family to honor their sister and aunt, Margaret Sue Copenhaver’s commitment to educating children and instilling in them a love of reading. The first annual Institute opened on June 26, 2000.
The MSCI for Teaching and Learning provides quality professional development opportunities for PreK-12 teachers and administrators and for Roanoke College students and gives PreK-12 teachers the opportunity to develop and practice strategies for effective instruction in cooperation with the nation’s leading educational scholars.
At the end of the three-day professional development sessions, the Helen C. Hanes Friend of Education is awarded bi-annually to an individual who models ideals drawn from the Marion Creed, “To care for what IS, rather than for what seems, to be loyal to what is best in the traditions of the past and yet open to the discoveries of the present and the hopes of the future, to find strength in constructive service.” Mrs. Hanes, a graduate of Marion College, embraced these ideals throughout her lifetime.
Archie Freeman, Chief Academic Officer for Roanoke City Public Schools introduced Price as being a lifelong learner and educator having dedicated 35 years to public school education as well as an advocate for the youth of Roanoke. Her involvement in civic, state, national, and church-related organizations and her community involvement were duly noted. She was the first African American woman to serve on Roanoke City Council and was re-elected for a third term serving as Roanoke’s first female African American Vice Mayor!
Price tearfully and modestly accepted the award, giving thanks to Roanoke College, her colleagues, community organizations, family, and especially her husband of 50 years, Charles Price.
“He is the wind beneath my wings,” Price said emotionally.
Price stated she is often asked why she continues being involved in so much and fervently stated, “It’s easier to build strong children than repair broken men, and a lot cheaper!”
Price joins a long list of outstanding, innovative recipients of an award from the MSCI. Previous year honorees have been Diane Washenberger, Salem City Schools (2019); Dr. Nathaniel L. Bishop, Jefferson College of Health Sciences (2018); Peter Lewis, Apple Ridge Farms (2017); Nancy Ruth Patterson, Roanoke City Schools (2016); Dr. Timothy Reynolds, Roanoke City Schools/Roanoke College et al (2015); Isabel Castillo, Virginia Organizing (2014); and Doris Neal Ennis, Roanoke City Schools (2013) among other distinguished persons.
