Sylvia patterson is shocked and confused when she is asked to be one of the first black students to attend central high school, which is scheduled to be integrated in September 1957, whether the citizens or governor of a...Sylvia patterson is shocked and confused when she is asked to be one of the first black students to attend central high school, which is scheduled to be integrated in September 1957, whether the citizens or governor of arkansas like it or not. Before sylvia makes her final decision, smoldering racial tension in the town ignites into flame.