Ten outstanding women in Maricopa County were named honorees in the YWCA’s Tribute to Women 2001 Awards.  The annual awards recognize women whose lives and accomplishments reflect the YWCA’s mission to empower women and eliminate racism.

In the category of Educator, the honoree is Betty Fairfax. Betty Fairfax retired after 60 years as an educator and counselor to young people, but you’d never know that if you walked into Central High School. You’ll still find Betty at age 82, talking with students and parents, making home counseling visits, and dedicating herself to her personal mission of helping students achieve their educational goals, encouraging them to work to their fullest potential and challenging them to give back to their community. Betty’s career began as a teacher in the Cleveland Public School system. After moving to Phoenix, she taught for a time at the segregated Carver High School, 14 years at the former Phoenix Union High School, and in 1969 was hired as a counselor at Central High School. She was eventually promoted to Dean of Students at the school and still serves as "Dean of Students Emeritus" to this day. Throughout her career, Betty has championed equal education opportunities for all students. Her actions, volunteerism, board memberships and financial aid have exemplified her beliefs. Betty’s home visits to students illustrate the care and concern she holds for each one of her students’ well-being and educational success. On one particular home visit to a student who had dropped out of school, Betty stood in the hot Arizona August sun until the student finally came out to talk to her. He eventually returned to school and received his diploma thanks to Betty’s determination and commitment to the young man. It’s this kind of commitment to all students that led to the establishment of the Betty H. Fairfax Fund for Educational Equity at the Arizona Community Foundation. Betty is a Phoenix resident.

Back to YWCA's 2001 Tribute to Women

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