Seventy years after attending Washington High School during the integration of the school, Clifford Aitch returned to the School District of Washington to witness another historic milestone.

Aitch, 85, traveled from his home in the Detroit area to Washington, Missouri, to attend the July 14 Board of Education meeting marking the beginning of Dr. Cassandra Suggs' tenure as superintendent.

The occasion held special significance, as Dr. Suggs and Aitch have shared a close family friendship for more than a decade.

Joining him was his wife of 57 years, Dr. Beverly Norrell. The couple, who reside in Detroit, have one daughter who works at Michigan State University and one grandson who is a student there.

Aitch enrolled at Washington High School in 1956 during the integration of the school. He graduated as one of two African American students in the Class of 1959 and quickly became involved in both academics and athletics. As a sophomore, he served as class president and competed in basketball, baseball and track.

"I most definitely had many positive experiences while a student at Washington High School. It was four great years," Aitch said. "My sophomore year, my JV basketball team went 30-1. Then I played on the varsity team my junior and senior years. We were 17-9 my junior year and 26-6 my senior year under Glenn Cafer. My teammates and coaches really supported me. I still keep in touch with some of my teammates."

One experience, however, left a lasting impression.

"There was a time we went to eat after a game, not in Washington, and I was told that I had to sit in the back," Aitch recalled. "Our whole team just walked out. Coach Cafer said we weren't staying."

Aitch also was a member of Washington High School's 1959 baseball team, which recently was inducted into the Washington High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He also played center field on the Washington American Legion baseball team that captured the Missouri state championship in 1957.

Following college, Aitch returned to the School District of Washington in 1963, becoming Franklin County’s first African American teacher. He taught physical education and health at Fifth Street Elementary, South Point Elementary and Marthasville Elementary, helping inspire countless students while breaking barriers for future educators.

His dedication to education and willingness to lead by example helped pave the way for future generations of students and educators.

For Aitch, returning to Washington represented far more than attending a Board of Education meeting. It symbolized the progress the School District of Washington has made over the past seven decades.

"Cassandra being Washington's superintendent is a proud moment for us and just fantastic for her, her family and the Washington School District," Aitch said. "It wasn't a difficult decision to attend her first school board meeting. We're happy to be back for such a special occasion. I've made it back to Washington for several class reunions over the years, and it's always nice to come back."

The connection between the Aitch family and Dr. Suggs dates back to 2013, when Clifford was inducted into the WINGS Hall of Fame. During that visit, Clifford and Beverly went on a tour of Washington High School, led by then-Principal Dr. Frank Wood, who now serves as president of the School District of Washington Board of Education.

“Dr. Wood brought them to my classroom. I was the district's ELL teacher, and they immediately made me feel welcomed and encouraged,” Dr. Suggs said. “Clifford spoke with such pride about growing up in Washington, attending Washington schools, and having the honor of becoming the district's first Black teacher. He wanted me to be proud too, and he reminded me that we all have a responsibility to continue building on the legacy of those who came before us.

“We stayed in touch over the years, but I was especially humbled when Clifford and Beverly called to congratulate me on becoming superintendent. They told me, 'We're coming to your very first Board meeting. We want to be there for you and for the community because this is a special day.' The fact that they traveled all the way from Detroit to be here means more to me than I can express.”

"We're so excited for Cassandra," Dr. Norrell said. "It's wonderful for her, the Suggs family, the school district and the community. We've remained in contact with Cassandra over the years, and we also know a lot about what's happening in Washington because we've subscribed to the Missourian for more than 50 years. We made the decision to make the trip to Washington from Detroit for her first school board meeting because she's making history, and we wanted to witness this remarkable milestone in person."

Reflecting on his years in Washington, Aitch said that while there were challenges associated with attending Washington High School during integration, he also found encouragement and support from classmates, teachers and members of the community. Those experiences helped shape both his educational journey and his career as an educator.

Today, Aitch's story remains an important chapter in the history of the School District of Washington. His determination to break barriers opened doors for those who followed and helped strengthen the district's commitment to opportunity, inclusion and educational excellence.

Even at 85 years old, Aitch continues to embody the spirit that has defined his life and career. He plays in a golf league three days a week, enjoys full-court basketball every Monday, plays racquetball on Wednesdays and occasionally joins friends for pickleball on Sundays. His lifelong commitment to staying active reflects the same energy and determination that have characterized his remarkable journey.

"Clifford’s legacy of courage, service and pride continues to inspire the School District of Washington," Dr. Suggs said. "He was a trailblazer who opened doors for others, and he has never stopped believing in this community. Clifford and Beverly have always been wonderful ambassadors for Washington, and I feel incredibly blessed to call them my friends."

 

Clifford and Beverly Aitch are pictured with School District of Washington Superintendent Dr. Cassandra Suggs.

 

Clifford and Beverly Aitch are pictured with School District of Washington Superintendent Dr. Cassandra Suggs.

 

School District of Washington Superintendent Dr. Cassandra Suggs with Board of Education members, family and friends.

 

Clifford and Beverly Aitch made the trip from Detroit to attend the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, July 14.