Dr. Harold Collins, who served as principal of Goshen High School from 1948 until 1966, was honored posthumously with the AARP Alabama inaugural presentation of the Dr. Harold Collins Award by the VIA Health, Fitness, Enrichment Center in Mobile.

The award was presented to Dr. Harold “Ray” Collins and honored his father’s outstanding commitment to community service and will be awarded annually to recognize AARP Alabama volunteers who share Collins’ compassion and dedication to improving the lives of others.

Collins, who died in February 2015, was a native of Hartford and attended Troy State Teachers College, where was a member of the band and worked on campus as a carpenter.

At the college, he met his future wife, Ruth.

Collins was a well-known and respected educator in Pike County for nearly 20 years. He was a valued member of the Troy University Board of Trustees.

Collins served as superintendent of the Mobile County School System from 1970 until his retirement in 1976. During that period of time, he led the school system through the turbulent period of desegregation.

After the State Supreme Court decision was finalized, Collins and Mobile County School System Board Member Charles McNeil began meeting with the NAACP and formed a coalition of more than 30 churches and community-based organizations to create a plane for desegregation.

After his retirement, Collins established the Spring Hill Educational Laboratory on the campus of Spring Hill College and turned to public service. He served on several boards including the Mobile Housing Board.

Collins devoted more than 30 years of service to AARP, serving as the Alabama state president for five years. He received numerous awards for his service to the community including the AARP Alabama Andrus Award for Community Service, Troy University Alumnus of the Year and Capstone Society’s Outstanding Public Educator.

In 2005, the Mobile Board of Education named the Collins-Rhodes Elementary School in his honor.

Collins had a great love and respect for his community.

The City of Mobile also honored Collins for his dedication and service to education by declaring a day in his honor.