Ferguson Elementary is named in memory of Dartha B. Ferguson. Mrs. Ferguson was born and raised in Norcross and graduated from Norcross High School in 1937. She then attended the University of Georgia where she received her bachelor’s degree in Education. Mrs. Ferguson met her future husband W. H. Ferguson Jr. while attending The University of Georgia. After college, Mrs. Ferguson returned to Norcross to pursue a career in education and to work in the family oil business.
For thirty-three years, Mrs. Ferguson worked at Norcross High School as both a teacher and a school counselor. Mrs. Ferguson taught English, Math, Literature, and French. She was also the senior class sponsor and enjoyed chaperoning the senior class trips. Despite not being able to drive herself to and from Athens, Mrs. Ferguson returned to school to pursue her Master’s degree in school counseling. Mrs. Ferguson served as a professional school counselor for the last eight years of her career. During her career in Gwinnett County Public Schools, Mrs. Ferguson was named Gwinnett County Teacher of the Year four times and Gwinnett County Counselor of the Year twice. She was also named Star Teacher of the Year an astonishing six times. It’s clear from the awards she received that Mrs. Ferguson was universally loved by her students and respected by her peers.
Mrs. Ferguson’s family was an important part of her life. She had two sons, W. H. Ferguson III, and C. Scott Ferguson. Mrs. Ferguson was a beloved grandmother having 5 grandchildren. When not teaching, working in the family business, or grading papers, Mrs. Ferguson enjoyed gardening, cooking, reading and spending time on her husband's family farm in South Georgia. Mrs. Ferguson truly loved working with children and watching her make a difference in the life of every child she taught inspired many people.
For thirty-three years, Mrs. Ferguson worked at Norcross High School as both a teacher and a school counselor. Mrs. Ferguson taught English, Math, Literature, and French. She was also the senior class sponsor and enjoyed chaperoning the senior class trips. Despite not being able to drive herself to and from Athens, Mrs. Ferguson returned to school to pursue her Master’s degree in school counseling. Mrs. Ferguson served as a professional school counselor for the last eight years of her career. During her career in Gwinnett County Public Schools, Mrs. Ferguson was named Gwinnett County Teacher of the Year four times and Gwinnett County Counselor of the Year twice. She was also named Star Teacher of the Year an astonishing six times. It’s clear from the awards she received that Mrs. Ferguson was universally loved by her students and respected by her peers.
Mrs. Ferguson’s family was an important part of her life. She had two sons, W. H. Ferguson III, and C. Scott Ferguson. Mrs. Ferguson was a beloved grandmother having 5 grandchildren. When not teaching, working in the family business, or grading papers, Mrs. Ferguson enjoyed gardening, cooking, reading and spending time on her husband's family farm in South Georgia. Mrs. Ferguson truly loved working with children and watching her make a difference in the life of every child she taught inspired many people.