An elderly woman in Michigan, USA, has broken the Guinness World Record for the longest-serving female language teacher, having taught English for over 67 years continuously. Despite having a long list of successful students, the 90-year-old Beverly Hannett-Price from Beverly Hills, Michigan, has no plans to retire and is still eager to nurture young talents.
Records from the Guinness World Records website show that Beverly Hannett-Price was officially recognized on January 22 as the longest-serving female language teacher in the world, with a tenure of 67 years and 142 days. She continues to exude the same passion and energy for teaching as when she first started her career, with the record serving as a tribute to her lifelong dedication to students, schools, and the education industry.
Beverly Hannett-Price has been an English teacher at Detroit Country Day School since 1958, having taught thousands of students over the decades, including Emmy award-winning actor Courtney B. Vance. A celebratory event was held on February 2 at the school in her honor, with Vance and other former students in attendance.
Vance, who flew in from Los Angeles for the occasion, expressed that Beverly Hannett-Price is a teacher he will never forget. He mentioned, “She taught me how to write, how to structure beautiful ideas, and because of that, we have remained in contact.”
Her influence extends far beyond the classroom, as her granddaughter, Charlotte Cook, attests to the profound impact Beverly has had on everyone she meets. Cook shared, “Every time we go out, we encounter people who have been touched by her influence, which inspires me to strive to be someone who can have such a significant impact wherever I go.”
Beverly’s daughter, Penny Hannett-Floyd, echoed similar sentiments about her mother’s influence, stating, “I know that everyone in this school loves her, knows her, and appreciates what she has taught them.”
For Beverly Hannett-Price, Detroit Country Day School has been like a second home for the past 67 years, where she continues to teach with the same enthusiasm she had when she first stepped into the classroom decades ago.
She expressed, “I have no plans to retire. I love this school, and I love teaching.”
The wisdom she imparts to her students is a testament to her timeless life lessons. She emphasized, “You have to be the best version of yourself because there is no one else like you in the world.”
Richard Dempsey, the principal of Detroit Country Day School, believes that Beverly Hannett-Price’s impact will endure for many years to come.
Dempsey remarked, “Her influence will continue for another 67 years.”
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