Dorothie W. Dorrington, ED.S

1927-2005
A longtime Atlantic City resident came to the City from Darlington, S.C. during the depression. Overcoming a learning disability she earned both BS and MS degrees from Glassboro State College (Rowan University) and an ED.S from Rowan. During her 50-year career she served in various teaching capacities and directed federally funded programs. She was the consultant for students with disabilities at Richard Stockton College of NJ. She was on the Atlantic City Board of Education for nine years, five as its President. Upon retirement she established a Special Achievement Award in her name for graduating learning disabled students. Dorrington authored the "Handbook for Classroom Teachers of Reading". She was a community leader and activist founding, 101 Women Plus, and the Phi Delta Kappa, Iota Chapter Debutante Cotillion. Awards include the Atlantic City and Atlantic County Hall of Fame, The American Mothers Association and 85 other civic and community awards and citations.

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Dorothie Dorrington was once quoted on the overcoming of learning disabilities, stating that "It takes a vision to see a goal, courage to go after it, and persistence to attain it." Dorrington exemplified all of these characteristics throughout her life. In addition to the three educational degrees she obtained, Dorrington also completed several studies outside of her degree programs, at Rutgers, Loyola, Mt. Holyoke, and Bridgeport Universities. Dorrington's "Handbook for Classroom Teachers of Reading" was distributed by the Educational Research and Improvement Center of South Jersey, bringing her story of success and her method for helping others to many area students. The 101 Women Plus organization that she founded was originally created as a way to get members of the community together to vote for James L. Usry in his campaign to become the city's first black Mayor. After the election, the organization continued, promoting cooperation between individuals and agencies in order to further the needs and concerns of Atlantic City's black community. Today, its members include men as well as women, and it focuses on improving quality of life in Atlantic City, helping people develop leadership skills, and providing scholarships. In addition to 101 Women Plus, Dorrington was also involved in many other community programs which gave scholarships to financially challenged students, and the World Links Exchange Program, which set up student exchanges between Atlantic City and Barbados.