Mary Gardner Bright was the founder of The Bright School. Her portrait hangs in the front lobby behind Mrs. Jackson’s desk. Her family and friends called her Mamie.

Miss Bright was born on September 16, 1885. That was 135 years ago!

Miss Bright lived in Chattanooga and became a teacher after she graduated from high school. After teaching a while, she decided to start her own school. She wanted children to be happy at school and learn by doing things with their hands. She also wanted to know each child.

In 1913, she opened The Bright School in a house near where the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) is today.

There were about 30 students enrolled in the first year Bright School was open, and there was only one other teacher. Miss Bright taught first, second and third grades. And the other teacher, Miss Kate Thomas, taught fourth, fifth and sixth grades. Miss Bright later hired teachers for each grade.

Miss Bright’s school grew and grew. By the time she retired, the school was too big for the building. It was decided to build a new school where we are today. Construction started in 1962, and students arrived after spring break in 1963.

Miss Bright began many traditions we still enjoy today like having art and shop classes, plays by each grade, a visit by Santa Claus at Christmas, and the Bright School Picnic.

Miss Bright was head of the school until 1961 when she retired. She died in 1967.

Miss Bright was not married, and she had no children. But she had nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews who graduated from the school.

Think of Miss Bright every time you do something fun at school. She would like that.