North Moore High School recognized a former English teacher and longtime Mustang by naming the school’s English Wing in her honor.
Iris W. Burns was present at the ceremony on Friday with three generations of her family. A large crowd who all stood in her English hall celebrated her.
Principal Joseph Patterson began the ceremony by welcoming everyone.
“While I did not have the pleasure of having Mrs. Burns as my teacher or assistant principal as many of us here this evening did, when I came here in 2004 as an assistant principal, I knew Mrs. Burns as an active and involved grandmother and a proud supporter of our Northern Moore schools,” said Patterson. “Mrs. Burns embodies the Mustang way through and through, ‘Respect, Responsibility, and Integrity.’”
Burns was the first of a family of teachers. Two daughters and two granddaughters followed in her footsteps.
Burn’s granddaughter, a teacher and North Moore Class of 2008 Valedictorian, Mrs. Mollie Williams, spoke next.
“Iris W. Burns dedicated her entire career to serving the students and families of Northern Moore County,” said Williams.
Burns attended Elise High School before graduating from High Point College. She earned an undergraduate degree in English and religious studies and a minor in history.
After teaching briefly at Bennett School in Chatham County, she taught at Westmoore. She taught at Elise from 1954 until the opening of North Moore in 1965, where she remained until retiring in 1988.
“Iris Burns was a pioneer for women’s roles and leadership within the school system,” said Williams. “At that time, she held the position of assistant principal at North Moore, all while teaching English classes. A role that was not commonplace for women during that time period.”
After Burns retired, she continued making a difference in education as a volunteer at Elise Middle School and a reading tutor at Robbins Elementary.
“Grandmother was a steadfast presence at every concert, sporting event, and special occasion that her grandchildren were part of while attending this wonderful institution,” said Williams. “And rarely did one of these events go by that she was not recognized and praised for all that she has done in and out of the classroom.”
A North Moore counselor, Christopher Monroe, unveiled a plaque at Friday’s ceremony.
The plaque included a quote from Burn’s favorite author. “….whatever I have devoted myself to, I have devoted myself to completely; that in great aims and in small, I have always been thoroughly earnest,” Charles Dickens.
Robert Levy, Moore County Board of Education chair, thanked and congratulated Burns for her achievements.
“Her name will serve as a reminder of her enduring influence on the school, the community, and the countless lives she touched throughout her lifetime,” said Williams. “Let us be inspired by her legacy, and may it light the way for generations of students and educators who will walk these halls.”
The ceremony concluded with Burns reading a poem she used to teach and have students memorize, titled “The Creation.”
~Article and photos by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Curtis Self.
