Durham PreK Teachers Recognized at CCSA Awards Breakfast!
April 4, 2024
Two Durham PreK teachers were honored at the CCSA Awards Breakfast on March 8th. Pebbles Lucas from First Chronicles Day Care (second from right) won the Mary Y. Bridgers Award and Debbie Timmons from Randy’s Five Star Academy (fourth from left) was recognized as a semi-finalist. The Bridgers award is given for excellence in early education teaching and receives nominations from across Durham, Orange, and Wake Counties. It includes a cash award and is granted after a rigorous review process that examines instructional practices and leadership by the nominees.
Mary Y. Bridgers was a child care provider in Orange County for more than 30 years, serving as the director of Victory Village Child Care Center in Chapel Hill and a member of CCSA’s Board of Directors. She served on the board for almost 15 years and continued to give her time and support to the agency for many years after. She set a high standard for what child care programs could and should be for young children and their families. Mary not only made commitments of time and money to the organization, but she would also do special things, like baking homemade treats, to say thank you to our staff.
Alongside Dorothy B. Graham, these two incredible leaders shaped the foundation of Child Care Services Association (CCSA). In the mid-1970s, Dorothy Graham and Mary Bridgers were the driving forces behind the creation of the Durham Day Care Council and Day Care Services Association. Their commitment to the cause of accessible and quality child care laid the groundwork for what we proudly call CCSA today. Dorothy and Mary were more than founders; they were champions for change.
Fueled by a profound passion for educating and nurturing young minds, these remarkable women put their vision into action. They advocated tirelessly for affordable child care, empowering countless women to pursue their dreams while ensuring their children received the care they deserved. Both Dorothy and Mary believed in the power of quality child care and dedicated themselves to the cause. From attending rallies to speaking out at Commissioners' meetings and legislative hearings, they were the voices that echoed the need for a brighter future for our children!
Receiving the Mary Y. Bridgers award is a high honor, and recognizes the hard work and dedication of educators who embody the same passion for nurturing young minds as Bridgers. We congratulate our esteemed Durham PreK educators on their recognitions and thank Ms. Lucas and Ms. Timmons for their continued devotion to Durham's youngest learners.