HOMESTEAD – Patricia Fairclough McCormick, Assistant Principal within the Miami Dade County Public School System, is running for Homestead City Council, Oasis Seat 6. Her many accomplishments in the field of education was the foundation for her decision to run for office. She is the wife of former Homestead City Council member, Melvin McCormick and the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Fairclough.
Patricia has many qualities that a leader should possess. Sensibility combined with common sense, love of community, and the right amount of activism has proven her to be a great asset to her community. Her sensitivity is only one of the driving forces that created her awareness of the needs of the people.
Patricia was born and raised in the Southwest Homestead Gardens housing development. Her mother, Barbara, raised Patricia and her twin brother Patrick and four siblings. Life was a struggle and there were times when even the basic necessities were not there, but the wisdom of her mother taught them what was really important…good morals and strength of character. These values, and having each other, created the energy that sustained them even during times of homelessness. Few people would have ever guessed that Patricia would become successful. What she experienced as she was growing up were the seeds for her future.
Patricia Fairclough
Patricia’s teachers at West Homestead Elementary School saw that she displayed the promise of a bright future and they worked closely with her. As she progressed in school, Patricia began to realize that education seemed to be the vehicle for success which would give her the happiness and contentment she longed for. She began taking charge of her life and her confidence grew.
Patricia chose to detach herself from the mean streets of Homestead and became involved in sports. She not only discovered her athletic ability at Blakely Park, she learned teamwork, patience, discipline, and respect for others which was compounded with the sense of family instilled in her by her mother and siblings. At South Dade Senior High, she ran track and played basketball. In addition to sports, Patricia discovered her talent for dance at Homestead Middle School in genres of tap, jazz, hip hop, and inspirational. Her talent for song allowed membership in South Dade Senior High’s gospel choir.
Patricia became involved in volunteering beginning in elementary school. She continued to volunteer as a peer review panelist under the sponsorship of the Miami Dade Department of Juvenile Justice. This program allowed her to serve as a role model to peers her age, providing them with tools to help them reverse their lives into a positive direction.
Patricia finished up her final two years at Homestead Senior High where she participated with a group of at-risk girl’s in a “Step Team” and led them to a national title. Patricia was awarded scholarships from Alpha Delta Kappa and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sororities, Inc. With the emotional support of her family and additional financial assistance, particularly from philanthropist Debbie Bussel, Patricia was on her way to Florida A & M University to pursue a degree in elementary education.
Like most students, Patricia experienced her own struggles to get through college, but in 2001, she graduated from Florida A & M University with Honors and a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education.
Patricia served as an Intern at Air Base Elementary Magnet School of International Education. She was offered a full-time position. The National Magnet Schools of America Conferences recognized Patricia’s hard work and as a result, she was awarded Miami Dade County Public School’s Teacher of the Year. Additionally, she was a semi-finalist for both the State of Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year as well as Macy’s Teacher of the year. She effectively represented thousands of teachers throughout the school system and was committed to heightening the awareness of children growing up in poverty and working to help close the achievement gap. She tutored students and advised parents free of charge as her way of giving back. Patricia served as a reading coach at Airbase Elementary. Realizing that she needed new challenges, she moved to Gloria Floyd Elementary where she served as Reading Coach and became a Community Involvement Specialist. She worked very closely with the teachers and students, but was now working closer with parents and the community. She was promoted to Assistant Principal and presently, is serving as an instructional leader.
To be elected to the Homestead City Council would be the ultimate reward for everything she has worked for. She knows her calling is to serve. She views public service as a personal responsibility and has chosen to commit her life to it. Patricia has strived for success and has devoted her life to attain it. What better way to show our support for a talented young woman who has shown a pattern of strong leadership, passion, and resilience throughout her life.
For Patricia Fairclough McCormick to be seated on the City Council proves that it doesn’t matter where you come from, but where you will be going.
