A Detroit-based teacher who once instructed Robin Williams, along with notable figures like Courtney B. Vance and Steve Ballmer, has been awarded a Guinness World Record for her nearly seven decades devoted to education. Beverly Hannett-Price, a 90-year-old English instructor at Detroit Country Day School, received recognition for being the longest-serving female language teacher, highlighting her dedication and lasting impact in the classroom.
Lifetime of Dedication to Teaching and Students
Beverly Hannett-Price has spent 67 continuous years shaping the minds of students, beginning her career after earning a Master’s degree in English from Albion College in 1958. Throughout the years, she taught not only in Detroit but also held positions in schools across Alabama and Florida. Her passion for education remained unwavering as she never considered leaving the profession.
“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 expressed, reflecting her lifelong commitment. Even at 90, she has no intentions of retiring, stating,
“I love this school. This opportunity for an education, I love,”
and emphasizing,
“I’m … not thinking of retiring.”
Influential Mentor to Prominent Students
Mrs. Hannett-Price’s influence extends beyond the classroom and into the lives of her students, some of whom have gone on to distinguished careers in entertainment, business, and the arts. Among her former pupils are the late Robin Williams, Tony and Emmy Award-winning actor Courtney B. Vance, and Steve Ballmer, former CEO of Microsoft and current owner of the Los Angeles Clippers.
Courtney B. Vance, who has maintained a close relationship with his former teacher, acknowledged her profound personal support during difficult times. Speaking to The Detroit News, 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 also praised her outlook on life, noting,
“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.”
Celebrations and Continued Impact at Detroit Country Day
In December, Vance attended a Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony where he received a star, an event at which Hannett-Price was present, marking yet another moment of connection between them. Earlier this year, she was honored at an assembly held by Detroit Country Day School on February 2, recognizing her extraordinary achievement and long-standing role in education.
School officials noted,
“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.”
Her profound effect on generations of students underscores the rarity and significance of her decades-long commitment.
Legacy and What Lies Ahead
Reaching this milestone as a nonagenarian, Beverly Hannett-Price stands as a symbol of perseverance and dedication in the teaching profession, especially at a time when the landscape of education faces new challenges. Her record-setting tenure highlights the vital role educators play in shaping lives beyond academics, providing mentorship and guidance that often extends well into personal realms.
Her continued presence in the classroom sends a message about the enduring value of passion and resilience. As she shows no signs of slowing down, students and colleagues alike anticipate her ongoing contributions to Detroit Country Day School and the wider educational community.
