In the early 1800s, Colonel Samuel Holmes gave $500 and a parcel of land to found Holmes Plymouth Academy, one of the first formal teacher-training schools in the state. Today, Plymouth State University stands as a testament to Holmes’ vision.

In 2014, a descendant of Holmes made a generous bequest that honors her family’s centuries-long commitment to education and to Plymouth State.

Ann G. Haggart grew up with constant reminders of her family connection to Holmes. Her mother and her aunts graduated from Plymouth Normal School; her cousin, from Plymouth State College. All went on to teach in New Hampshire’s public schools. “Education is at the center of my family’s history,” Haggart says. “As my mother said, ‘You educate a woman, you educate a family.’” Haggart has carried on this tradition throughout her career as a NH public school teacher who supported children with special needs, as a national and international speaker on inclusion, and as a co-author of books and videos for educators.

The Holmes-Pattee-Haggart Family Fund provides scholarship assistance to New Hampshire students who aspire to teach and promotes transformational leadership initiatives. Haggart sees the gift as an investment in future generations of educators and hopes to inspire others to support scholarships and education. “You don’t have to have a lot of money,” she says. “You just have to decide how you want to spend it.”

 

 

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