South Carolina physical education teacher Martha Priscilla Shaw was elected Mayor of Sumter in 1952, the first woman in her state to serve in that capacity. Photo credit: The State Newspaper

Many excellent educators have also served their community in political office and as a volunteer. One of these was Martha Priscilla Shaw, a physical education teacher in South Carolina who also served as the mayor of Sumter in the 1950s.

Martha was born on Aug. 29, 1904, in Alcolu, Clarendon County, South Carolina. While still a child, she moved to Sumter and enrolled in Sumter Public Schools. She graduated from Sumter High School in 1921. Following this, she attended Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia, for one year, and then transferred to Sargent School of Physical Education, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in 1925. She also completed graduate courses at Boston University in 1937.

Martha taught PE courses in the Sumter Public School District from 1925 to 1939, a total of 14 years. In addition, from 1929 to 1950 she directed a summer camp for girls called Silver Pines in Blowing Gap, North Carolina. She also served her community through work with the Red Cross, the YWCA, and the Salvation Army. Additionally, she was a charter member of the local Junior Welfare League and completed volunteer hours for the Pilot Club, a local community service organization.

In 1950, Martha was elected to the Sumter City Council. She was the first woman to serve in that capacity. In 1952, Martha once again logged a first when she was elected Mayor of Sumter, the first woman mayor in her state. She served in that role until 1956. In recognition of her trailblazing work in politics and her community service, Martha was named one of three recipients of the National Mary Margaret McBride Award in 1954.

Sadly, Martha suffered a heart attack and passed away on Feb. 9, 1981. She was 76 years old.