In the School District of Lancaster, Black History Month is not just a time for reflection-it is a time to honor the individuals who have shaped the lives of students, colleagues, and the community through their dedication and commitment to equity. Among these extraordinary figures is Dawn C. Boots, a woman whose career has exemplifies the power of mentorship, perseverance, and advocacy.
For 18 years, Dawn has been a guiding force within SDoL, first at Carter & MacRae Elementary School and then at McCaskey East High School, where she served as a mentor, educator, and advocate for students from all walks of life. Her journey in education was deeply personal, shaped by the example of her mother—a beloved SDoL educator for over two decades—who instilled in her the belief that every student deserves to know their worth. That belief became the foundation of Dawn’s work: making sure every student who crossed her path understood their value and the boundless potential they held.
But Dawn’s story is one of coming full circle. Born and raised in Lancaster, she was part of McCaskey’s Bicentennial Class of 1976 before attending Millersville University, later relocating to the Washington, D.C. metro area for nearly 30 years. When the time came to care for her mother, she returned home and found herself drawn back to the very district that had shaped her early years.
A Safe Haven for Students
For nearly 15 years, Dawn served as the ISS (In-School Suspension) Supervisor, a role that many might see as disciplinary, but she transformed it into something much greater—a space for growth, reflection, and encouragement. She ensured that every student who walked through her doors left knowing that they were worthy, capable, and supported. For Dawn, discipline was not about punishment but about teaching accountability and self-worth. She worked tirelessly to help students complete assignments, improve their grades, and regain confidence in their ability to succeed.
“I made sure that students, no matter their struggles, had the support they needed to pass their classes, complete their assignments, and recognize that they were capable of success,” Dawn shared. “To this day, my students—some now adults—see me in the community and tell me how much my support meant to them. That is the true essence of who I am.”
For Dawn, the greatest reward was watching the same students who sat in her ISS room walk across the stage at graduation. Many of them entered her room feeling defeated but left with the confidence to succeed. The respect they still show her today is a testament to the life-changing impact she has had.
What Black History Month Means to Dawn
For Dawn, Black History Month is not just a month—it is a lived experience. She has witnessed the trials and triumphs of her great-grandparents, grandparents, and mother. She has seen history unfold, both in the struggles of the past and in the progress made. But she also sees history repeating itself.
“All the rights won through Black history, fought for by so many who came before us, are now being challenged and gutted,” she reflects. “At my age, I see the same injustices I witnessed as a child. That’s why we must keep educating, keep fighting, and keep standing for what is right.”
She celebrates Black history every day, reminding her students—regardless of their backgrounds—that Black history is American history. She teaches them that without Black leaders, activists, and pioneers, many of the freedoms and opportunities they enjoy today would not exist.
Facing Challenges and Breaking Barriers
Dawn’s journey as a Black professional in education has not been without challenges. She has long been an advocate for greater diversity, inclusion, and representation within SDoL, pushing for the hiring and promotion of more Black educators and administrators.
“For years, I championed the need for true diversity, especially at the top levels of leadership. I watched as talented, qualified individuals were passed over for promotions in favor of those with personal connections,” she recalls. “Change has finally begun in the last few years.”
Dawn’s straightforward nature—her refusal to play into workplace politics—has sometimes made her a target. But she has never wavered in her integrity. She has remained focused on her mission: advocating for students, standing up for what is right, and leaving a legacy of honesty, accountability, and empowerment.
A Lesson in Resilience
One of Dawn’s most defining moments came when she was a student herself. In a college Political Science class, a professor, who harbored racist biases, looked at her and told her she would never become a lawyer. That moment could have discouraged her, but instead, it fueled her determination.
Years later, after building a successful career in the corporate world, she returned to that same professor. She didn’t need a law degree to prove him wrong—her success spoke for itself. She handed him her pay stub, a symbol of everything he said she wouldn’t achieve.
This experience was a reminder that Black resilience is about standing firm in the face of doubt and injustice. It is about knowing your worth, even when others try to diminish it.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Dawn’s passion for equity extends beyond the classroom. She has been a vocal advocate for diversity, representation, and systemic change within SDoL, pushing for more inclusive hiring practices and greater opportunities for Black professionals.
Her advice to Black students aspiring to make a difference in their communities is simple but powerful:
- Know your worth. You are powerful beyond measure.
- Be vigilant. Stay focused on your goals and surround yourself with people who uplift you.
- Get an education or trade. Invest in your future.
- Keep your circle small. True friends will celebrate your success and support you in difficult times.
As a Black professional in education, Dawn has seen firsthand the challenges of advocating for diversity in leadership. But she is also witnessing change. In recent years, SDoL has made strides in ensuring that Black professionals are recognized, valued, and placed in leadership positions that reflect their expertise and experience. Though progress is still needed, Dawn is proud to have been part of the push for change.
A Lasting Legacy
As Dawn prepares for retirement, she reflects on her time at SDoL with pride and gratitude. She has built a career rooted in mentorship, advocacy, and belief in students. She has left behind a legacy that extends beyond her years of service—a legacy seen in the success stories of countless students, in the lessons she instilled, and in the changes she helped spark.
“No matter who you are—a student, a colleague, a community member—know your worth. Know that you can achieve anything you set your heart to do. And just do it.”
Dawn may be stepping away from her official role, but her work is far from over. As she embarks on her next chapter—launching her own businesses and finally being her own boss—she carries with her the same mission: to uplift, to empower, and to leave every space better than she found it.
Dawn C. Boots has not only taught history—she has made history in the lives of every student she has touched. This Black History Month, we honor her, celebrate her, and thank her for being a force of change, resilience, and inspiration.