Edwin T. Pratt Early Learning Center dedication

Miriam and Sarah stand in front of photos honoring
Edwin Pratt and recognizing Sarah
Photo by Jane Wiebe

On Thursday, June 6, 2019, the Edwin T. Pratt Early Learning Center at 1900 N 170th St. in Shoreline was formally dedicated.

The new 55,000 square foot facility is home to all of Shoreline Public Schools’ preschool programs. Those programs include Shoreline Children’s Center tuition-based preschool, Head Start and Early Childhood Education.

School board, Superintendent, Center Director
Miriam, and Sarah
Photo by Jane Wiebe

The Edwin Pratt Early Learning Center is named after Edwin Pratt, a local civil rights leader who was assassinated in front of his home in Shoreline on January 26, 1969, at the age of 38. Police identified the gunman and his associates but not the person who hired them. Pratt's daughter Miriam was five at the time and recently told her story to NPR.

As a founding member of the Central Area Civil Rights Committee and Executive Director of the Seattle Urban League, Pratt dedicated his life and career to promoting racial equality and social justice. He led civil rights campaigns against housing discriminations, school segregation and employment bias.

The dedication was a joyous occasion for everyone
Miriam addresses the attendees
Photo by Jane Wiebe

Sarah Haycock, who, as a ten year old, successfully lobbied the Shoreline school board to have the new Early Learning Center named for Edwin T. Pratt, was a speaker at the event.

This has been a two year process for Sarah, starting when she discovered a small monument to Pratt in Shoreline Park. She spoke at multiple school board meetings, collected signatures, recruited supporters, gave speeches, and ultimately succeeded in her goal to have the Center named for Pratt.

Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools

She has become a role model for other young students. She was invited to go to Florida in April where she was asked to speak to middle school students at Saint Andrews and had the opportunity to visit the area where Edwin Pratt grew up.