The Foundation is pleased to honor Norma Ford Gerace, Retired BRHS Biology Teacher.
The BRHS Foundation announces the establishment of this special honor which recognizes an individual who has had a transformational impact on Baton Rouge High School as an educational institution.
The award honors the legacy of Reine Ivy Alexander, principal of Baton Rouge High School from 1917 until her retirement in 1954. While teaching at BRHS in 1917, then Superintendent, W. B. Hatcher, persuaded Miss Alexander to become principal, one of just a few women in the South to attain the post. Under her leadership, BRHS became one of the state’s highest performing schools. Her implementation of discipline, commitment to high academic goals and a ‘parental’ interest in the welfare of every student resulted in her becoming a beloved and highly respected principal.
Norma Gerace
Mrs. Gerace taught biology at BRHS biology teacher from 1958 until her retirement in 1985. She was called to teaching when America entered the “Space Race.” The successful launching of Sputnik competitively challenged the American spirit to expand high school science and math programs at the same time that baby boomers were entering high school in record numbers. There was an immediate and enhanced need for qualified science teachers. As the years passed, Norma was instrumental in the advancement and upgrades to the biology classes and inspired her students to discover, study, and learn about the natural world beyond the classroom. At the 2017 Hall of Fame induction ceremony, many of the honorees spoke with great admiration and appreciation for Norma as a teacher and a mentor. Norma Gerace devoted 27 years to ensuring that the science programs at BRHS became the very best.
At present day, the science students at BRHS continue to win state, regional and national awards and achieve in Advance Placement science courses. The science programs are beacons of excellence at BRHS because of the dedication and commitment of teachers just like Norma.
Norma will be honored with this award at the Annual Member Meeting and Celebration Wednesday November 7, 2018 in the Baton Rouge High School Auditorium. Click HERE for more details.