Boys & Girls Club honor Brooks for being champion of children
Morning News
Published: September 3, 2009
The Champions for Youth Tribute last week presented by the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee Area turned into a series of poignant moments and tributes for former Florence teacher and principal Allie Brooks.Published: September 3, 2009
During a video salute, Brooks’ wife appeared and spoke of her affection for the universally loved pillar of the Florence community.
“You know I am proud of you,” Barbara Faye Eaddy Brooks said. “I hope, over the years, you always have sensed my desire for your success.
“I am proud the Boys & Girls Club has honored you,” she added. “I know you will say, ‘Oh, it is not necessary.’ But I say take it, and to God be the glory. He has allowed you to travel your journey. I do believe you represent God, and you have traveled well. As I have said on many occasions, continue to be healthy so you can travel for many more years. You have a lot to offer.”
Brooks was the fifth recipient of the award, following in the giant footsteps of previous honorees businessman Frank Avent (2004), Dr. Fred Carter (2005), State Sen. Hugh Leatherman (2006), Congressman James Clyburn (2007) and businessman Richard Harrington (2008). All have been champions of children. Still, it would be hard to say any of the distinguished group had the day-to-day connections established by Brooks.
The Wilson High principal for 31 years would stop students in their tracks with questions about their performance and reminders about responsibility.
Florence School District One Superintendent Larry Jackson was one of Brooks’ students at Wilson and credits Brooks with a life-altering moment. One afternoon, Jackson returned to school after cutting classes. He and his mother were called into Brooks’ office to discuss a suspension.
“My mother happened to be working in the cafeteria, and he called her down to explain I was being suspended,” Jackson said. “I was very angry with him, and I must have made some facial expression. I remember my mother slapping me in front of him. That made me angrier with him, not with her.
“The thing he said that struck me — other than the slap — was, ‘Larry, you are going to have a job like mine one day, and you’ll understand all the things I’ve been trying to tell you. I was 18 years old at the time. For some reason, the light switch went on. I think it may have been partly the slap I got but also the words he gave me.”
Brooks’ list of career achievements include a Phi Beta Sigma “Educator of the Year” award in 1995 and the Florence Civitan Club’s “Citizen of the Year” award in 1987. He was president of the South Carolina Association of Secondary Schools Principals and president of the South Carolina High School League (1999-2000).
Civic groups looking for an immediate stamp of approval seek out Brooks. He’s been on boards ranging from the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce to the Boys & Girls Club.
The Boys & Girls Club chose wisely in picking Brooks for the honor. The event raised mo
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