RENAMING SCHOOL FITTING TRIBUTE TO DESERVING MAN

The Cape Girardeau Public Schools this week renamed Hawthorn Elementary School for its long-time principal: Charles C. Clippard. It is a fitting retirement tribute for the years of dedication and contributions of this respected educator.

No other individual has shaped the development of Hawthorn School as he has. Clippard has served as its principal since 1966, the first full year the building was open. In those 25 years, this soft-spoken educator has served as a role model to thousands of students and teachers alike.

Clippard was graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1956. He launched his educational career as a sixth-grade teacher at May Greene School. After five years in the classroom, he moved into administration - serving as principal four years at Lorimier and one year at Franklin. It was then he was appointed principal of the district's newest elementary school: Hawthorn.

This marks the fourth district building named for an outstanding educator. May Greene and Alma Schrader were both long-time elementary teachers, and L.J. Schultz was district superintendent for many years. Clippard's addition to this district "hall of fame" seems natural. It marks the highest honor a school district can bestow on a educator.

The staff, administration and Board of Education also deserve praise for pursuing this matter in a timely fashion. It heightened the surprise and enjoyment to announce the school renaming as Clippard prepares to retire. It will make his final weeks in the school system all the more special.

In making the presentation, a district proclamation recognized Clippard for 35 years of devotion to the education of the youth in this community. He was praised for exemplifying the virtues of honor, decency, loyalty, humility and compassion. Clippard responded with typical low-key modesty. Calling it "reflected glory," the veteran principal gave credit to all the staff and students he has worked with through the years. That's just his way.

Educators can exert considerable influence on a person's life. They can light a fire of learning in a certain subject and help steer students in a better direction in life. As a teacher, and then administrator, Clippard motivated untold numbers of his students and staff. His influence will remain long after he retires.

Built in 1965-66, the school was named after the state flower. It's a pretty name, but not very meaningful. The new name should remind generations to come of the educational excellence that Clippard promoted.