Congratulations to Clark Elementary, the third elementary school (preceded by Tampa Palms and Hunter’s Green elementaries) and fifth public school overall (also already open were both Wharton High and Benito Middle School) to celebrate a quarter of a century of learning in New Tampa’s 33647 zip code.
Current and past members of the Clark family were on hand for the event on Apr. 5, as were members of the family of Harold H. Clark, the former Assistant Superintendent of Supportive Services of Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) for whom the school was named. In attendance from Mr. Clark’s family were his two daughters — Harollyn Johnson and Karin Childs — and his granddaughters Rondalyn Morgan & Ashlyn Johnson.
But, the big surprise of the festivities was the fact that Mr. Clark himself, who will turn 95 in June, was on hand — and thrilled — to join his family in attendance at the event.
The celebration also was attended by current School Board chair Karen Perez and vice chair Jessica Vaughn. Representing HCPS superintendent Van Ayres’ cabinet were chief of innovation & strategic planning Marcos Murillo, Regional Superintendent for Area 3 Schools Catherine “Missy” Lennard and Regional Superintendent for Area 1 Schools Kristin Tonelli.
The event honored many of the original charter faculty and staff members from 1998, as well as, of course, Mr. Clark.
“We are honored to have Mr. Clark here and proud to celebrate all of the accomplishments of Clark Elementary,” said current Clark principal Dr. Delilah Rabeiro. “The evening before this event, we were named a School of Excellence by the Florida Department of Education, so this is excellent timing.”
The food was provided by Wharton High’s culinary students, led by culinary instructor John Rosko. Also taking part in the celebration were the Freedom High marching band, led by band director Travis Ando; the Freedom High Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC), led by Lt. Commander Pettis Sims; the Liberty Middle School Jazz Band, led by Dustin Huston; the Liberty Digital Team led by Daisy Questell. Clark’s chorus and the “Mighty Mighty Clarktones” also performed. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Clark’s NEHS President Vihaan Tyagi; the National Anthem was sung by music teachers Jennifer and Sean Moats and their son, Clark student, Bennett Moats. The Masters of Ceremonies were our Media Specialist Erik Fassel and first grade teacher Tracy Wood.
Four former Clark students spoke — John Pease (Class of 2010), Amiya Gupta (Class of 2013), Vaidehi Tyagi (Class of 2019) and Madison Bahs (Class of 2021). It was special to hear from former students share their experiences and of what it meant to them to have been a Cougar.
Charter principal Valerie Orihuela, who opened Clark in 1999, dedicated her career to HCPS for 38 years and created the school’s iconic slogan: “We’re Making Our Mark at Clark.”
Mr. Clark, who retired at age 80, was a true trailblazer who worked to provide equal access to quality education for all children. He was a principal at Just Jr. High and at Blake High, an Area Director and Assistant Superintendent. He also helped with the formation of the Hillsborough Education Foundation in 1987-88.
Many charter Clark Elementary students returned for the event!
