Las Vegas celebrates trailblazing educator Helen Toland at 100 – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
Las Vegas — Helen Toland reached a remarkable milestone on Sunday as the city gathered to celebrate her 100th birthday. Known throughout the community for her pioneering role in education, Toland became the first African American woman to serve as a school principal in Clark County back in 1965.[1][2] Students and leaders alike reflected on her enduring influence during special events at the elementary school bearing her name.
Breaking Barriers in Westside Las Vegas
Toland’s appointment at Kit Carson Elementary School marked a historic moment for the Clark County School District. She stepped into the principal’s role amid a time of significant social change, leading the school in the Westside area of Las Vegas.[1] Before that, she had served as a speech therapist at the same institution, laying the groundwork for her visionary approach to education.
Her leadership emphasized fostering a love of literacy through hands-on, real-life experiences. This method helped engage students in meaningful ways during her tenure. After Kit Carson, Toland took on a key position at Robert E. Lake Elementary School, navigating the challenges of student integration and busing for sixth-grade centers.[2]
A Career Rooted in Service and Innovation
Long before arriving in Las Vegas, Toland broke ground elsewhere. She held the position of the first African American speech correctionist in the Louisville, Kentucky, School District. Her commitment to speech therapy extended internationally when she established the first preschool program of its kind in Kubwa-Abuja, Nigeria, for the Daughters of Charity Catholic Nursery School serving handicapped children.[1]
In Nevada, she continued her innovative spirit. Toland organized community yard sales not only in Las Vegas but also in South Africa to raise funds for education. These efforts ensured young people stayed in school, reflecting her deep dedication to opportunity.[2] One notable story involved her support for Tulane Mkhwanazi during South Africa’s apartheid era; through yard sale proceeds, she funded his college registration, leading to his graduation from electrical school and employment at the nation’s electrical plant.
- First African American speech correctionist, Louisville, Kentucky School District.
- Pioneering principal, Kit Carson Elementary, Clark County School District, 1965.
- Leadership during integration at Robert E. Lake Elementary.
- Creator of preschool speech therapy program in Nigeria.
- Fundraiser for education via yard sales in Las Vegas and South Africa.
- International advocate, encouraging African youth through repeated trips.
Sharing Cultures, Building Bridges
Toland’s passion extended beyond classrooms into cultural exchange. She collected artifacts from countries including Senegal, Mali, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. These items featured prominently in multicultural programs at public schools and universities, aiming to highlight Africa’s positive contributions.[1]
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She commissioned sculptures from a Zimbabwean artist depicting family and community themes, placing them in her front yard for public viewing. Toland once shared her motivation with the Review-Journal: “I don’t know how to put it, but everyone has a passion – and this African art is mine. I put the statues in my yard because I am happy to share them, and to show people the great things that are in Africa. So often, we don’t get to hear, touch, and see the greatness that comes out of Africa. We don’t get the positive information, mostly the negative.”[1]
Her efforts countered stereotypes and promoted understanding. As a charter member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., alongside other prominent women in Las Vegas, she advanced academic excellence and community support.
Recent Celebrations Reflect Timeless Inspiration
The Clark County School District joined the festivities ahead of Toland’s birthday. Students at Helen Anderson Toland International Academy — renamed from Kit Carson in 2021 — organized an event spotlighting her accomplishments.[3][2] The district publicly wished her well, noting how she continues to motivate students and staff daily.
U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford praised her as “the mother of Las Vegas,” recognizing her barrier-breaking service as the first Black female principal in Clark County and her decades of dedication.[4] Weeks before turning 100, Toland reaffirmed her longstanding motto to the Las Vegas Review-Journal: “There are many ways to beauty, and there are many ways to educate.”[5]
In reflecting on racial challenges, she declared, “I Shall Not Be Moved.” This resolve — to love children, plan enriching experiences, and maintain mutual respect — defined her career. She echoed Nelson Mandela’s words: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
A Legacy That Endures
At 100, Toland remains a vital figure in Las Vegas. Her home stands as a testament to her journeys, filled with art that bridges continents. The school named in her honor carries forward her vision of inclusive, creative learning.
Community leaders and educators point to her as a model of perseverance. Through the Helen A. Toland Educational Foundation, her work in promoting education persists.[6] As Las Vegas evolves, Toland’s story reminds residents of the individuals who shaped its schools and spirit. Her century of service ensures that future generations will encounter the same opportunities she championed.
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