By Petra Chesner Schlatter; BucksLocalNews.com

A namesake scholarship in memory of the late Dr. Patricia Johnston, Pennsbury’s former assistant superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, was announced Oct. 18 by the Pennsbury Scholarship Foundation at Oxford Valley Elementary School in Fairless Hills.

The scholarship was established by her mother, Norma Johnston, and the Johnston family.

The Pennsbury School District administration dedicated the Oxford Valley Elementary School student library in Johnston’s name. She attended the school while growing up in Fairless Hills.

Dr. Paul Long, district CEO, unveiled a dedication plaque in Johnston’s honor. On the plaque are these words, “Visonary leader, mentor, friend, tireless advocate for children and their education. Take good care.”

Long thanked everyone for attending despite the “damp, cool blustery afternoon.” He noted that Johnston “spent almost her entire life in this neighborhood.”

He said a book from every Pennsbury elementary school was sent to Oxford Valley’s library in Johnston’s name.

Members of Johnston’s family were in attendance, and many of her friends from the Pennsbury High School Class of ‘69 were there, as that was their reunion weekend. School board members, administrators, teachers and students came, in addition to some of Johnston’s former colleagues from the Centennial School District.

Fran Nitkin, Oxford Valley principal, said Johnston was “an integral part of our every day life. We miss her…We were great friends.” She noted that Johnston had succumbed to ovarian cancer.

Arlene Gordon, long-time school board member, described Johnston as “the consummate professional” and a “bright and gifted educator.”

Gordon said Johnston emphasized “an absolute need to focus on literacy and literacy education.”

She spoke of Johnston’s “softness of manner.” But she also had “strength” and was willing to stand up for what she thought was right, Gordon said.

Gordon said Johnston had a gift of making people feel special.

Sharon Johnson, Johnston’s niece, read her aunt’s biography to the audience.

She was a lifelong resident and graduate of Pennsbury, where she served as director of Curriculum and Instruction from 1998 until 2003, and assistant superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction from 2003 until 2008.

She has been described as “a champion of student literacy, excellence in professional development and preeminence in curriculum.”

Prior to 1998, she taught in the Centennial School District. In addition, she was an adjunct professor at Delaware Valley College and the University of Pennsylvania, and was a regular contributor at the Bucks County Intermediate Unit.

After the program, Norma Johnston was surrounded by friends. “Just beautiful – absolutely beautiful,” she said of the event, which featured a vocal performance of “Amazing Grace” by faculty and administrators. “It would make my daughter so happy.”

Chris Reed Knauder, one of Johnston’s high school classmates, said, “Patty was just always positive. She had a good personality. She always had something inspirational to say.”