Betty Pattison - December winner
Betty Pattison, affectionately known as 'Miss Pat', founded Pattison College in 1949 with just 15 pupils and four teachers. Since then the school complement has increased tenfold and in 2008 was recognised by Ofsted as an 'Outstanding Independent School'.
She gained her love of dance from her father, who taught ballroom dancing in the family home. She started teaching ballet at 16, and later taught many other forms of dance. Her school takes children from the age of three and specialises in the performing arts.
Miss Pattison's students have performed in significant events in Coventry through the years, including: the VJ celebrations in the Drill Hall; at the Battle of Britain celebrations in the Sibree Hall; at the inauguration of Coventry Cathedral in the presence of the Queen; at the Pageant of the history of Coventry in the War Memorial Park; and at the first ever Royal Show at Stoneleigh.
She encouraged the talents of many aspiring actors and her former pupils have pursued different and varied careers and include Kerys Nathan, Michael Jackson's choreographer; actor Richard Armitage of North and South, Robin Hood and Spooks; and Robert Lisle and James Boyce, both serving in the Parachute Regiment.
All her former pupils remember Miss Pat with fondness and recall her favourite line of encouragement, 'There's no such word as can't!'
She was awarded an honorary degree by the University of Warwick and a lifetime achievement award by the International Dance Teachers' Association. She is held in high esteem by others far and wide but Betty will always be remembered as a longstanding asset to this city.