The Enduring Impact of Ms. Annetta McIntosh

In the heart of Lexington, North Carolina, the echoes of a keyboard still resonate for countless former students. For decades, one name has been synonymous with dedication, mentorship, and a quiet, watchful presence in the classroom: Ms. Annetta McIntosh. A beloved and retired business education teacher from Lexington City Schools, Miss McIntosh didn't just teach students how to type; she instilled in them a set of skills and a work ethic that would prove invaluable in a rapidly changing world.

Ms. McIntosh's journey into the world of education was built on a strong foundation. A proud graduate of Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration before completing her teacher certification in Business Education. Her academic pursuits didn't stop there; she later earned a Master of Science degree in Adult Education, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to learning and growth. This dedication was perhaps inspired by her own mentor at WSSU, Miss Gwen Hill, the Director of Admissions, who always encouraged her to "excel and be the very best that you can be."Ms.. McIntosh is a true product of her alma mater's motto: "Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve."

Her service to the community extended beyond the classroom. For years, she was a fixture at Friendship Baptist Church in Lexington, where she served as the Director of Music, sharing her talents and passion in a different kind of forum.

But it was in the classroom where her legacy truly flourished. She began her teaching career at Lexington Middle School, specializing in Computer Keyboard-Ing, before moving on to Lexington Senior High to teach Business Education. Her teaching style was a perfect blend of discipline and genuine care. As one former student recalls, "she would always be standing right behind her desk watching us on her computer to see what we were doing." This seemingly simple act was a silent message of accountability, ensuring students remained focused and engaged.

For many, her computer classes—whether Computer Apps l or ll—were simply a required course. But for a select few, they were a revelation. In a time when the digital age was just beginning to take hold, Ms. McIntosh had the foresight to teach skills that would become fundamental. Her classroom was a place of both serious work and unexpected fun. "There were times that we had a lot of fun along with having a great deal of free days for all of our hard work. This balance of hard work and reward created an environment where students were motivated to succeed.

The true value of her lessons, however, became clear much later. Skills like creating brochures, graphing charts, using Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, and understanding program formats—once just classroom exercises—are now essential in virtually every profession. I always tried to learn something new every day, now I find myself laughing at his computer, using the very skills she taught me years ago.

Her impact was more than just technical. She was a mentor who saw the potential in her students, even as the class clown. l can recall how she would say my name every time he told a joke, a sign of her unique patience and humor. It’s a moment that captures the essence of her character—a person who was strict when she needed to be but also compassionate and nurturing. For me, Ms. McIntosh was more than a teacher; she was someone who gave me a chance and loved me "as if I was a son."

Ms. Annetta McIntosh is more than a retired teacher. She is a foundational figure in the lives of many, a person who dedicated her career to serving her community and empowering its youth. Her legacy is not written on a chalkboard but in the countless careers and lives she helped shape, proving that the best educators leave an impact that lasts long after the final bell.