Madeline Symonds 1905-1996 Madeline Symonds was born in Saint John, New Brunswick. Both of her parents died during her younger years and as a result she was sent to the Maritime Home for Girls in Truro. The superintendent of the home, at that time, was appointed to be her guardian. Over the years she attended school and completed her grade twelve. In 1927 she entered a teacher training institution in Truro, the provincial Normal College. The graduating class of 1928 was proud to boast Madeline as the first African Nova Scotian female to graduate from the Normal College. In August 1928, at the age of twenty-three, Madeline approached the inspector of schools to teach in Hammonds Plains, as many teachers who previously taught there had gone to other locations. The school in Hammonds Plains was a small wooden building with a wood stove. Each desk had a seat, which enabled three children to sit together. Some days the room was cold but no one complained, as they were eager to learn. Grades were taught from the ABC class to the end of grade nine. She was instrumental in raising funds to enable a new schoolhouse to be built in 1945. With the new school, came new programs and new teachers. After a few years, further additions were added to the school. Mrs. Symonds was appointed principal of the school. She later gave up this administrative position and returned to teaching grade three. During the early 50’s, Mrs. Symonds also taught correspondence and adult classes after school. Some of these students went on to pursue careers in theology and medicine. After completing thirty-five years in education, Mrs. Symonds retired from teaching in 1964. She had spent almost her entire teaching career in Upper Hammonds Plains. She continued to be active in the church as well as the Upper Hammond Plains community. We as a community are very proud to have our school inscribed with her name and legend.   Links on Madeline Symonds: http://home.istar.ca/~bccns/symonds.html http://www.tcpnow.com/grandparentsday/runup.html