• Photo of Dalhart DobbsDeacon Dalhart T. Dobbs, Sr., Ed.D (1931-2009)

    Dalhart Dobbs was a Renaissance man. Dobbs served in the U.S. Air Force, was an ordained deacon of the Roman Catholic Church and, importantly, Erie's first African-American male teacher. He began his career at Academy High School and would go on to serve as director of federal programs and special projects before his retirement.

    He was also director of the district's Career Opportunities Program, a type of work study program that gave non-teaching aides an opportunity to work in the field.

    Dobbs' obituary marks a life filled with accomplishments: In addition to serving as an Upward Bound instructor and a guidance counselor for undergraduates and potential high school dropouts, he was a noted author and dynamic speaker, held many community positions, and was the recipient of several humanitarian awards.