Northeast H.S. Alumni Pay Tribute to Teacher with Alzheimer’s

Karen Smith was a teacher of the gifted program at Northeast High School in the 1970’s and early 80’s. Although she no longer teaches, her students continue to carry on the lessons learned.

“She set a very strong foundation, we’re still reaping the benefits of that foundation now that many of us are in our 40’s and 50’s,” said former student H. Lee Perdue.

Perdue says he remembers the woman who was his teacher from eighth grade to senior year, but she’s not the same.

“She’s no longer able to write, she’s no longer able to read, she’s no longer able to communicate. It’s hard to see someone who has shaped our lives so profoundly but not be able to share those gifts with anyone else.”

Smith can no longer share her knowledge and stories because of dementia. However, the disease isn’t going to stop others from honoring an educator.

Alzheimer’s Association’s Stephen Brown is participating in the “Dancing Stars of Atlanta,” a fundraiser supporting the cause.

“Atlanta’s obviously a lot larger than Macon is so we’re able to use some of that money to provide some of the services here.”

Several alumni of the Bibb County school district’s gifted program are collecting money to donate in honor of their former teacher.

A fundraising event will be held at the Loews Hotel in Atlanta on June 18.

Contributions can be sent to

Alzheimer’s Association-Georgia Chapter
Post Office Box 13552
Macon, Georgia 31208
Attention Stephen C. Brown – Vice President of Finance and CFO