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Monroe “Bookie” Clark
Monroe “Bookie” Clark
“The Pied Piper of Hope” 1924 – 1994 He brought hope and encouragement to hundreds of students! Monroe Clark lived in San Diego all of his life. Until he was 8 years old he ran about and played just like every other kid in the neighborhood. Suddenly he was struck with polio and spent a long recovery time away from the running and playing he loved so much. He was then destined to spend the rest of his life walking with the aid of crutches. He could no longer participate in the sports he cared for so passionately – but he did not let his handicap get him down. He attended Woodrow Wilson Middle School and graduated from Hoover High School in 1943. After his college years at USC in Los Angeles, and a career in the insurance business, he retired to begin the most exciting career of his life: that of volunteering to help the students of Hoover High School attain excellence in their education and their lives in general. The surrounding community was enriched by his influence because he encouraged the students to become respected members of that community and to realize the importance of their education for their future lives. He was personally involved with Hoover students since he graduated from USC in 1947 in one way or another. He was instrumental in forming a support organization for Hoover athletics, named the Cardinal Club. Sensing that dollars and support were needed in other areas at Hoover, he helped form the Hoover Foundation. The mission of the Foundation is to raise funds and to provide direct volunteer support at the school to assist the staff to significantly lower the dropout rate. The kids at Hoover benefited tremendously by his help in many ways – he tutored new immigrants with language problems – he counseled students when they needed help, he encouraged them in their studies so they would realize the importance of graduating from high school. He was at Hoover five days a week, six hours a day, giving his assistance and encouragement to all – every student on the campus knew Bookie as a great friend! He was respected by them, not only for the hours he spent helping them but because he had such a good attitude about life and was such an inspiration to everyone! Most of the students who graduate from Monroe Clark Middle School will go on to Hoover and they will be proud to say they attended the school which was named for that person who was a very important influence on Hoover’s students for so many years. |
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Copyright © Monroe Clark Middle School 4388 Thorn Street, San Diego, CA 92105 Tel: (619) 563-6801 • Fax: 619-563-9653 |
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