ST JAMES, Jamaica – Tributes extolling the life of the late Dr Simon Clarke, focusing principally on his extraordinary achievements as an educator, flowed freely on Friday at Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College which he pioneered as principal 48 years ago.

The evening of tributes followed Dr Clarke’s death on May 15, four months after his 88th birthday. Foremost among those paying tributes were Immediate past Principal of the college, Dr Lorna Gow Morrison; Regional Director, Ministry of Education and Youth, Dr Michelle Pinnock and Chairman of the St James Parish Library Committee, Claudette Bryan.

They were joined by past students Marcia Grey, Merlene Blake and Dr Steven Kerr, as well as LeRoy Dawes on behalf of Green Island Secondary School at which Dr Clarke was also pioneer principal; O Dave Allen, representing the Granville community and Egerton Forrester on behalf of Friendly Lodge 383.

Several others paid tributes, including lecturer Donovan Doyley in song and music by The Young Jamaica Ensemble of SSTC.

“Our vision has been enhanced by the life’s work of Dr Clarke; a visionary, mentor, motivator, scholar, transformer, reformer, innovator, educator extraordinaire,” declared moderator and current principal, Ricardo Bennett, in an opening tribute to the founding principal of the college he now heads.

Bennett noted that under Dr Clarke’s leadership at Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College, from 1975 to 1985, “the institution grew academically through the development of new programmes and to address the changing demands of the Jamaican classroom; infrastructurally, to accommodate the rapid growth in student enrolment, and socially through the numerous collaborations and partnerships with the college community.”

Dr Gow Morrison eulogised Dr Clarke as inspirational, possessed a sharp wit and was infectious.

“As the pioneer principal of our college Dr Clarke acted in roles that were needed then and have transcended time and boundaries that continue to be relevant now and will be in years to come,” Dr Gow stated.

For her part, Dr Pinnock agreed that they were honouring a man who was extraordinary.

“A pioneer principal of both Green Island High School and the Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College, an educator par excellence, a community leader and most importantly an active advocate for education,” Dr Pinnock reflected.

Representing the Granville community in which Sam Sharpe College is located, Allen said words could not describe the impact that Dr Clarke had on the students, faculty, and community of Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College. Describing him as “a man of integrity and who was committed to lifelong learning,” he said “Dr Clarke saw the community and the people of Granville as an integral part of the college experience. He was a tireless advocate for community partnership and his vision for education extended far beyond the classroom.”

According to Allen, “Dr Simon Clarke was not some sterile intellectual who overly focused on academic and intellectual pursuit, he was able not only to understand complex concepts but also come up with innovative solutions and approaches to problems. He applied his knowledge in practical ways.”

Meanwhile, Bryan paid tribute to Dr Clarke for his exemplary leadership at both the parish and national levels of the Jamaica Library Service. Enumerating his many achievements.

“We remain eternally grateful for his visionary leadership, his influence and inspiration. We celebrate his numerous contributions to libraries and honour him today for his many years of dedicated service,” she said.

The Evening of Tributes was attended by several members of Dr Clarke’s family, including a sister and his three children who jointly expressed gratitude for the many accolades heaped upon him.