Friday was a huge day for our family. My dad was given the honor of having an elementary school named after him. He worked for the school district for 30 years, serving as principle for 27 of them. In 1991 (or somewhere around there) he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. During 9 of those years battling cancer, he also served as Stake President. He was a wonderful man, and even a better dad. In August of 2003 he retired from the school district, just 3 months before the cancer took his life. We are so lucky that he lived so long with the cancer.
We found out that the school district was going to honor him with the naming of a school in 2006. It was very exciting. I wish he could have been alive to hear that they were honoring him like they did, but to tell the truth, he probably would have been completely embarrassed by it.
I was a teacher for 6 years. I have spent a lot of time in elementary schools. I can't even begin to tell you how strange it is to walk on a campus and see your fathers name on the school plaque. It is even more strange to walk into the building and see his picture on the wall and various memorabilia from his life displayed in the hallways.
As the namesakes widow, my mom was given the opportunity to cut the ribbon. The lady helping her is Sherrie, a teacher that worked for my dad for 20 + years. She is the one who petitioned the school district to name a school after him.
I think the principal and vice-principal wanted to see if they could make my family cry. They had this man playing the bagpipes throughout the ceremony. I usually do not like the bagpipes (that's another story for another post), but they were very appropriate and very touching.
This is my whole fam-damily. From left to right: Tim (brother), Steve (you should know him by now), Spencer (nephew), Me, Bryan (brother who should be very happy that I didn't post the other picture I have of him), Camille (Sis-in-law), Crystal (sis-in-law), Mom, the rest are my nephews and niece: Hayden, Liam, Harley, Jett, Clara, Maverick, and Thomas.
Once we were inside we were able to check out all the classrooms. The boys were so excited to be able to hang out on furniture just their size! Thomas was thrilled with all the drinking fountains. He ran from room to room searching for them.
The kids were happy, just extremely hot.
9 comments:
Great story. I had no idea that he was your dad. It must be something to have a spectacular Dad that everyone respects. How blessed you are. :)
I feel very blessed and lucky that my kids are going to O'Roarke Elementary! It also felt great to tell one of the teachers that I know the O'Roarke Family personally.
I didn't know your Dad, but based on the rest of the family, I'm sure he was a wonderful man.
BTW, Jason had him for a principal in 6th grade.
What a unique, wonderful thing to have your Dad honored in such a big way. The pic of Mom cutting the ribbon brought tears to my eyes. She must be so happy, and that lady who petitioned the district is awesome for doing so. He sounded like a great man & Dad, more than worthy of the honor.
This is wonderful! Congratulations to all your family. Your father sounds like he was a really great person and father! Very very exciting!!!!!
I saw an article in the newspaper about the opening of O'Roarke Elementary. What an incredible honor for your dad and your family. I always loved your dad. He was always so kind. So awesome!
That is so neat and such a great honor! He sounds like a wonderful man from the way you described his many years of great service.
I was thinking about his school opening today at work and was hoping you all were there. I loved the family picture under the lion - framable. It's an honor to say that I knew your dad and I'm so happy that his name will be heard for many years to come. What a special day...finally!
Amy - That is so cool. I had driven by the school and I thought they were naming after your dad. Awesome. Will your kids go there?
Ooops I guess I am logged into to Morgan's accoutn. This is Chelsie
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