Oniska Blevins | The Selma Times-Journal

Sadie Moss has been an educator for more than 50 years. During those years, she has educated children and adults throughout Dallas and surrounding counties.

She became the director of the McRae Gaines Learning Center in 2006. This year, its summer learning program will be named in her honor.

Now the “Sadie Moss Summer Learning Institute,” the summer program educates children ages four to eight years old. The program provides students critical learning opportunities in English, mathematics, the arts, physical activity and prevents the summer learning slide.

Moss was overwhelmed with emotion as she explained what it meant to her to be honored in such a way.

“I’m just honored. I put God first because I thank him,” she said. “Everything that I do for children and for the community is to given to me by God”

Judge Collins Pettaway, chair of McRae Gaines Learning Center board, said Moss has helped influence and shape the lives of thousands of children and young adults.

“She is a tireless and passionate beacon of light.  She ensures our children are properly educated and prepared to serve as innovative leaders for the 21st century,” he said. 

As director of the center, she plays many roles and wears many hats. She said she steps in to fill in wherever she is needed, and that even includes teaching.

“I touch the lives of these children everyday,” she said. “I’m not just the director, but I’m also an instructor.”

This past January MGLC received a $5,000 grant from Summer Adventures in Learning (SAIL) which funds the summer program and provides curriculum, administrative and testing expertise.

She said the children that grew up going to the center, and have been attending since they were babies, will now have a chance to attend the summer program.

The center has also received a $30,000 grant from the Daniel Foundation of Alabama to support professional development in their core curriculum.

“We are thankful for the support we receive from SAIL, the Daniel and The Caring Foundations and private donors, who provide the needed funds to make this program possible,” she said.

Moss has worked tirelessly at the center, and she looks forward to continuing to make a difference in children’s lives.