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Pat MacLanahan, founder of Ray’s Montessori School, was recognized by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen at the first February meeting of the month.

Mayor Ray Knowis declared Feb. 13, 2024 as Pat MacLanahan Day “in celebration of 50 years of dedicated service as an educator and opening her own Montessori School in the 1970s teaching preschool children. Many of her students have grown up and brought their own children to Ray’s Montessori School. Some have come back to teach at the school. Ms. MacLanahan is loved and respected by her students, their parents and her teachers. She continues to inspire those around her and is an iconic educational leader in the Tullahoma community.”

MacLanahan was asked to speak, and she addressed multiple generations of her students in doing so.

“Tullahoma’s been so good to me,” said MacLanahan. “When I opened my school in 1970, I started the school, I had 12 children. By Christmas (of that year), I had 18, and by the end of the year, I had 36 enrolled for the next year. There’s so many people in Tullahoma who care about the education of their children. I’ve been so blessed to be here, and I want to thank all the people in Tullahoma, all the parents who sent their children to me and trusted me with their care.”

She added “I miss teaching so much, it’s just a big hole in my heart. Thank you for this honor, it’s just unbelievable.”

MacLanahan received a standing ovation from a room overcrowded with her students.

Some of MacLanahan’s students and friends also commented on her impact in their life. She was thanked for her continued care for children, children’s education and the community of Tullahoma at large.