A Michigan educator with an illustrious teaching career spanning nearly seven decades has been honored with a Guinness World Record. Beverly Hannett-Price, renowned for her dedication at Detroit Country Day School, taught eminent personalities such as actor Robin Williams, actor Courtney B. Vance, and former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, now the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers.
Hannett-Price, a distinguished 90-year-old English teacher, has been recognized as the longest-serving female language teacher after 67 years in the classroom. The school celebrated her remarkable achievement, highlighting her profound impact on students who have excelled across various fields, including entertainment, business, and the arts.
“This historic recognition honors not only the length of Mrs. Hannett-Price’s career but the depth of her influence on students whose achievements span the worlds of entertainment, business, and the arts,” school officials stated.
With a career touching the lives of countless students, Hannett-Price was present at the Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony when her former student, the award-winning actor Courtney B. Vance, received his star in December. Vance, a Tony and Emmy Award winner, further honored his former teacher by attending a school assembly on February 2, where her extraordinary milestone was celebrated.
Reflecting on her profound influence, Vance shared with The Detroit News the special bond he shares with his former teacher. “She’s had a lot of students, and she kept in touch with me. She knew I didn’t know things coming from public school, inner city … she befriended me. So much so, when my father died of suicide, she came and sat with my mother in our house. And that’s when I realized this is more than just a student-teacher relationship. This is a life relationship,” he said.
“She’s had a lot of students and she kept in touch with me. She knew I didn’t know things coming from public school, inner city … she befriended me. So much so, when my father died of suicide, she came and sat with my mother in our house. And that’s when I realized this is more than just a student-teacher relationship. This is a life relationship,” Vance told The Detroit News.
“Life is short. You find a few people to take you through the days, it’s a blessing. She is an absolute blessing to my family and I am to theirs. She’s internally excited about life and everyone she meets … Everyday for her is a wonderful day and she reminds us all that life is a gift.”
The record book confirmed Hannett-Price — who has a Master’s degree in English and began her career upon graduating from Albion College in 1958 — never stopped teaching in those 67 years, and taught at schools in Alabama and Florida.
“I have never left this building or any school building that I taught in ever wanting to do anything else with my life but to teach children,” she told the outlet.
She also has no plans of retiring anytime soon.
“I love this school. This opportunity for an education, I love,” she continued.
“I’m … not thinking of retiring.”
