Martha Claire Kennedy Fitzner Hall

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The people who knew former teacher Martha Claire Fitzner say, next to her family, she loved the children most of all.

That’s why it is fitting that today, November 15, Heritage Academy dedicated this building as Martha Claire Kennedy Fitzner Hall.

Fitzner, a Columbus native and graduate of Heritage Academy taught elementary school for 34 years; nearly 20 of those at Heritage.

In the two years since her death, faculty, friends and family have collaborated to honor Fitzner by serving the students she loved.

“She loved, loved our kids and she would be thrilled to see that this beautiful space is a place where they come and eat and have conversations. And, also in the back we have a music building, so they will begin singing and praising and just enjoying the building,” says Cindy Wamble of Heritage Academy.

The renovated space includes room for a dining hall and music room.

Heritage also plans to use the multi-purpose space for other school events.