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Keystone middle school to honor educator
By MELANIE AVE
© St. Petersburg Times, TAMPA -- Norman Pettigrew's heartbreak turned to elation Tuesday after the School Board named a new middle school in Keystone after former Hillsborough schools superintendent J. Crockett Farnell. Pettigrew helped lead an 18-month campaign to get a school named after Farnell. The supporters, mostly former students and colleagues, included some of Tampa's most influential citizens. The group's first choice had been a new high school in Tampa Palms, but two weeks ago the School Board chose to name the school Freedom High School. Supporters were unsure whether their renewed effort would pay off. When the School Board voted 5-2 Tuesday to name the Nine Eagles school for Farnell, Pettigrew was overcome. "I'm real pleased, real pleased," said the 72-year-old retired architect, trying to keep emotions in check afterward. "I'm so thankful to the board. Words cannot even describe it." Board members said the time seemed right to honor Farnell, Hillsborough's last elected superintendent and a legendary Hillsborough High football coach. Farnell served as superintendent from 1949 to 1966, but resigned after being convicted of diverting school materials to remodel a private day camp in which he had part ownership. However, two years later, an appellate court set aside the conviction, citing a lack of proof that Farnell ordered the materials be used at the camp. Opponents argued it would send the wrong message to children to name a school after someone who resigned under a cloud. Board members said they had to trust in the decision of the appellate court. "We can all be accused," said School Board chairman Joe Newsome. Board member Doris Ross Reddick applauded Farnell for making bold strides in creating an equal pay scale for black teachers. "Of all the many things he did, I just think he was a fantastic person," she said. "I think he needed a monument." Farnell died two years ago at age 85. The board also voted Tuesday to name a Lutz middle school after former Gov. Bob Martinez.
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From the Times |
