First Black student of THS inducted into Hall of Pride
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Cliff Williams / TPI Bernice Paschal Rivers Barton-Simmons Cooper was inducted into this year’s Tallassee High School Alumni Association Hall of Pride. The 1970 graduate helped integrate the school in 1965.

In 1965 Bernice Paschal Rivers Barton-Simmons Cooper was one of seven Black students to integrate Tallassee City Schools. Two were her sisters but she was the only high school student.

The students in the lower grades might have had an easier time than Cooper, but she found a way to persevere.

Cliff Williams is a staff writer for Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. He may be reached via email at cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com.

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