Ruth Franklin, 1906 - 2001

Ruth Franklin, 1906 - 2001

Ruth E. Franklin attended the Mechanic Street Elementary School in Cumberland and was the Class Valedictorian in the first graduation class of the Frederick Street School (for blacks) in 1923.

Upon graduation from high school Ruth was awarded a full scholarship to Morgan College, now Morgan State. The scholarship was renewable each year, but only if Ruth stayed in the upper 10% of her class. Ruth did.

Majoring in English, mathematics, and science Ruth Franklin graduated with honors from Morgan in 1927 in all three subject areas. Ruth was certified by the Maryland State Department of Education in all three areas and later that same year became the first local teacher hired by the Allegany County Board of Education for the Frederick Street School (which in 1941 became known as the George Washington Carver High School).

Ruth Franklin was regarded by her supervisor at the Board of Education as one of the most outstanding teachers in Allegany County. Upon the "complete"
integration of Allegany County public schools in 1959 Ruth Franklin relocated to Allegany High School until her retirement in 1966.

Ruth Franklin was a member of the Cumberland Metropolitan A.M.E. Church. She is remembered as a gentle person, who provided strong academic guidance and attention to her students.

"Every individual has the explicit right to an education, commensurate to his abilities to absorb, which will help him take his place in society..." Ruth Franklin