Wednesday, September 21, 2016

TOMMIE SAYLOR: Death in the 'family' touches all

“We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; for he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother.”
William Shakespeare, Henry V

By Tommie Saylor
Kennedy High School Principal

On September 8, a member of the greatest generation slipped through our grasp and into eternity. 

Though I did not have the honor of getting to know Clark W. Bennett, I have had the pleaser of getting to know his son, Randy. If the old adage is true, that “the apple does not fall far from the tree”, then Clark Bennett must have been an amazing mad,

In conversations with Randy, I learned that Clark Bennett joined the U.S. Navy at a very young age (17) to serve his country during the World War II.  Randy went on to tell me that his father was the strongest man he had ever know, and seeing the light in his eye and the crooked smile on his face, affirmed the sincerity of his statement. 

Clark Bennett must have indeed been an amazing man to raise such an astonishing person.  Following his father’s lead in a legacy of service, Randy joined and served 20-plus years in the Army, earning the highly elusive rank of First Sergeant (1SG).  After leaving the Army, Randy continued to serve his country by becoming a teacher, endeavoring to pass his father’s strength and wisdom to his students. 

Though I have never had the pleasure of seeing Clark Bennett in action, I have witnessed Randy spin his web of knowledge among his students.  Though he would never say it out loud, he loves his students, as evidenced by the passion in which he teaches and the gleam upon his face when standing before those who hunger to learn.

I have said it over and over again: At Kennedy, we are a family.  When one of us hurts, we all feel the pain.  Though we cannot imagine how Randy must feel, our collective hearts ache for his loss. Our collective shoulders stand at the ready.

Be strong, my brother.

Helping students to find their greatness. Making Kennedy the school of choice. Excellence by design.



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