Dr. Ralph Poteet Oral History

Growing up in Mesquite, I always knew of Ralph Poteet as something of a legendary figure. After more than two decades as school superintendent, upon his retirement in 1986, the city's fourth high school was named in his honor. Poteet High School, whose mascot, Patch the Pirate, can be seen in the background of this interview, was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 1999-2000. When I contacted Dr. Poteet for an oral history in 2006, it was my understanding that since he seldom gave interviews about his career, a conversation was probably unlikely. I was surprised and thrilled when he agreed to an interview. During my visit to his home in Mesquite, he told me that he only agreed because I was a "native son" who had attended Mesquite public schools! Dr. Poteet passed away on September 23, 2012. -- Stephen Fagin, Curator