Patrick Ervin
patrickervin@ddtonline.com
LELAND - Not that these two educators needed any help securing their legacies, one more symbol of their contribution to local children made it official with the naming of a landmark on Thursday. With family friends and community members on hand at the Breish Street bridge, the structure received the official name, Tucker-Patterson Bridge during a ribbon cutting ceremony. “The Tuckers and Pattersons are two well respected families here in Leland,” said Mala Brooks, Supervisor for Washington County's District 4. “Pastor (Johnny)Tucker was the principal of the middle school and Mr. (Joe) Patterson was the counselor at Leland High.” Both men beamed with pride as they posed for photos with their families in front of the bridge with concrete and railing. “It’s an honor,” Patterson said. It’s a privilege to know that people think enough of you to do something like this. I taught two generations of students in Leland from 1974 until 2014 and never wanted to go anywhere else.”
Tucker also worked his entire career in the Leland School District and partnered with his fellow honoree back in the day to develop a program that is widespread in local schools. “The first in-school suspension program took place right here in Leland,” Brook said. “And Mr. Tucker and Mr. Patterson piloted the first program that is now statewide. What they did by doing this was create a safe haven for students to continue their schoolwork while addressing whatever violation had taken place.”
Another former student and educator following in these men’s footsteps acknowledged their significance as well. “Both of these men were instrumental in why I became an educator,” said Pantasy Miller Hampton. “They are pillars of the community and this is well-deserved.”
The section of road is a major thoroughfare for school, workforce and business traffic and has been the subject of much debate in Washington County Board of Supervisors meetings over the past few months. However, the end result reflects an overwhelming consensus and spirit of collaboration. “I would like to commend my colleagues on the Board of Supervisors and President Carl McGee and the city of Leland and Mayor Kenny Thomas for providing the electricity,” Brooks said. “We started looking for funds five years ago to repair the bridge after it was closed. Now it’s open again and named in honor of two of Leland’s pioneer’s in education.”
