Wilson AARP chapter honors Idalia High

When Idalia High retired from a lifelong career of teaching in 1987, she was far from finished when it comes to working to improve her community.  Since that time, she has volunteered with AARP and others to raise the profiles of the local services offered to seniors by both public and private organizations including the Wilson County Department of Social Services.

According to Wilson AARP Chapter President Bill Burchette, “Idalia High has been the force behind creating greater awareness of important services available to older adults in the County and for seniors and law enforcement working together in a much more trustful and productive way.”

Among her many post teaching accomplishments as a community leader and a former AARP chapter president, Mrs. High was a founder of Wilson County Awareness Day which now attracts the participation of over 2,000 seniors each year who learn about the programs and services provided on their behalf. This year, volunteers from the Sherriff’s and Fire Department, as well as churches, served lunch to 700 seniors on Awareness Day.

Mrs. High started her teaching career in Nash County where she taught for 36 years. She was a former president of the Nash County Education Association and was vital in bringing education reform and improved teaching methods to North Carolina. She was also responsible for helping Southern Nash High School gain accreditation which led to continuous quality improvements for that school.

AARP was founded by a public school teacher, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus. Today, retired educators are big part of AARP. AARP’s National Retired Teachers Association is America's foremost network of 50+ adults and organizations with a passion and affinity for education and learning. Members of NRTA are dedicated to continuous educational opportunity, advocacy, and service as a means of safeguarding the economic security, work opportunities, and future well-being of all generations.

Bruchette knows that Mrs. High’s contributions are too enormous to list in an article, but wants to thank and recognize her for all of the work she has done to secure the well-being and future for generations of people in North Carolina.

Photo: Idalia Oglesby High has always served others. From her 1949 Yearbook, she served as her senior class treasurer.