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By SCOTT MIMS | Special to the Selma Times-Journal

SELMA ­– Selma High School teacher Veronica Pitts was recognized recently by the State Department of Education after earlier being named the National Civics Teacher of the Year by the Bill of Rights Institute.

The morning of Oct. 9, during what started as a school pep rally, Gov. Kay Ivey, State Superintendent of Education Eric Mackey and school board members congratulated Pitts for the national honor. Also participating were Selma City School District Superintendent Dr. David Scott, Selma City School Board member Brenda Randolph-Obomanu, Selma High Principal Stoney Pritchett, and Pitts’ sister.

The board also thanked Dr. Tonya Chesnut, District Five State Board of Education member, for her role in supporting Pitts’ recognition.

“I don’t have kids, so every day I come in, what do I want somebody to teach my child?” Pitts said. “So I do that every day. I give 100 every day because somebody gave me 100. Somebody poured into me so I have to pour into them, so I hope in that moment that some child, whatever they’re going through, is thinking like, ‘If she can do it, I can.’”

Pitts has mentioned examples of educators who inspired her, such as her 10th grade history teacher Thomas Powell, who was instrumental in turning history from Pitts’ least favorite subject to one of her most beloved, alongside social studies. Today, Pitts teaches government and economics at Selma High School.

“I just feel like I have the world on my shoulders in a good way,” Pitts added. “I’m just so happy to be the person that gets to bring a positive light to someone.”

Pitts previously received a $5,000 check for use in her classroom, and she will also receive a scholarship to attend the National Council of Social Studies annual conference in Washington, D.C. In addition, Pitts was recognized by U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Selma, on the House Floor for her dedication to students and work to build the next generation of civic leaders, activists and change agents.

Stan Swim, chief program officer of the Bill of Rights Institute, described Pitts as “almost ready to burst with what she wants for her students; how much she cares about these kids; how much she wants them to understand the world they’re going into. She wants them to know how to make good decisions. She wants them to understand the American system so that they can be advocates for themselves, so that they can be empowered, strong citizens.”

Superintendent Dr. David Scott said of Pitts’ recent honor, “It just shows how dedicated she is to her craft. It’s just a great day for Selma City Schools and Selma High School.”