Former Students of retired Rufus King High School teacher, Mary Aniakuda, came out to honor their former teacher for her life changing inspiration and dedication.
Source: Yvonne Kemp
Former students gather to honor former teacher, Mrs. Mary Aniakuda
Dedicated teacher was inspirational to students and life changing to one in particular.
The 1971 graduates of Rufus King High School came out to honor any exemplary humanitarian and devoted teacher, Mary Aniakuda at El Greco Restaurant on Friday, October 6, 2026. Mrs. Aniakuda was not only an English and Economics teacher, but their homeroom teacher for four years. Mrs. Aniakuda also had a background in social work and mental health. For many of her students, she not only served as a mentor and motivator, but someone who provided a shoulder for them to cry on. It was stated that she also emphasized to them the importance of academic achievement in high school so that “we can go to college which is the key to success”.
During the 52 nd Rufus King High School Reunion, Mrs. Aniakuda came to see her former students. However, one of them, Susie Ward, was unable to arrive in time to see Mrs. Aniakuda. So since she missed that opportunity, Susie decided to create an opportunity to see her by hostessing a luncheon at one of Mrs. Aniakuda’s favorite restaurants and inviting some of her former students to join them. Those former students included: Joni L. Albritton-Bel, Beverly K. Alston, Pastor Jerome Bell, Michael Goodwin, Rhoda Goodwin, Bobbie Kates, Stanley L. Kates, Jr., Evangelist Stanley L. Kates, Sr., Dr Warren McIver, Vicki White Morgan, Larry L. Ward, and of course Susie L. Ward. Susie states that Mr. Aniakuda inspired her to become a social worker and mental health professional. Susie worked with youth as a Juvenile Probation Officer.
