lewis


Although we have all heard of Addie Lewis, no one really knows about her. We all know that our school was name in her honor, but what other things about her?
Addie R. Lewis was born at the turn of the century in Rutledge Alabama. While on vacation in 1924, Addie Rushton met a general store owner named Vernon Lewis, with whom she fell in love. Later that year she moved to Valparaiso and married Vernon. Ms. Lewis settled in and had a son named Allen during 1943. After Mr. Lewis' death in 1946, Addie Lewis raised her son by herself.	The ground breaking of Lewis Middle School, 1970. Ms. Lewis is seated, wearing sunglasses.
Ms. Lewis with Mr. Wayne McSheehy, the first principal of Lewis Middle School, in 1971.	Ms. Lewis had many achievements in her life, some even affecting our county, and around America. About 1931 Ms. Lewis began teaching in Okaloosa county. Twenty years later she became a principal for Niceville School grades one through twelve. In 1968 Mrs. Lewis became the first woman who attained a senior management position, as Assistant Superintendent for Instruction in Okaloosa county. Ms. Lewis also helped introduce Guidance Programs as well as foreign languages to our school system. In 1971 Addie R. Lewis Middle School was born.
Ms. Addie Lewis died in 2001 at the age of 100. So as you can see, our school's name isn't just the name of a woman, it's also the name of a wonderful person.	Another more colorful picture of our previous principal, Mr. McSheehy and Ms. Lewis .