By Justin Udo

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Hundreds of people gathered at Bright Hope Baptist Church in North Philadelphia on Sunday to honor Former Philadelphia Public School Superintendent Doctor Arlene Ackerman, who died in February of pancreatic cancer.

The list of speakers ranged from parents in the Philadelphia community who she worked with to prominent Philadelphia figures like Kenny Gamble who took time to reflect on what Doctor Ackerman fought for.

“What Arlene Ackerman knew was the only way to solve our problems in our community is through education,” Gamble said.

Doctor Ackerman was superintendent of Philadelphia schools for three years, but people at the memorial service say her impact on the school system will be felt for years to come.