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Building named for first Black student in Seminole Public Schools

Published  February 16, 2022 7:25pm EST
Seminole County
FOX 35 Orlando

Building named for first Black student in Seminole Public Schools

Ingrid Burton Nathan was only 14 when she started classes at Sanford Junior High as the only African American student back in 1964. A year later, she was one of several Black students to integrate Seminole High School.

LAKE MARY, Fla. - The student who launched the integration of Seminole County public schools now has a building named in her honor. 

Ingrid Burton Nathan was only 14 when she started classes at Sanford Junior High as the only African American student back in 1964. A year later, she was one of several Black students to integrate Seminole High School.

Despite bullying and threats, she graduated in the top 10% of her class. 

"What hits me is the fact that my people want me to have it. Okay, I did it from my people. I did it for not just my people but I did it for us because we're better when we work together in this society," she said.

Nathan went on to teach Spanish in Seminole County for almost 40 years. The that Sanford Middle School. 

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