In an age of ever-changing technology and fast paced-living, we want to pause this week to share our gratitude to the community. We thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to impart some historical tidbits from the last one 100 years that have shaped our town. At the annual ZHS alumni celebration, the monthly 100-year committee meetings, or local school events, we consistently witness the importance that the instutution of ‘school’ has had a place of gathering, organization and growth for children and families.

Thanksgiving is, of course, also a time of gathering, family focus and appreciation of our country’s heritage. We suspect that many may recall Thanksgiving pageants at school that encompassed Pilgrims, American Indians and symbols of Harvest. The historical accounts from the Zephilsco, News, and other sources depict PTA celebrations, classroom events and service projects in the community. Perhaps the most noteworthy of Thanksgivings was that of 1939 when ZHS was closed for two weeks because of diptheria outbreak. Ironically, in 2009 with H1N1, it is not the first time the local school has been challenged with health questions and persevered to benefit students and families.

Thanksgiving takes on many dimensions for us.  You may be traveling, hosting your family, working at a center to serve up a scrumptious meal for others or perhaps savoring some past memories. We also know that families come in all configurations and for some institutions such as church and school comprise dimensions of nurturing as well.

The theme of family has often been a thread throughout our historical research about Zephyrhills High School. Just recently in our interviews with James E. and Claudette Davis, Raybell Surratt, Charles and Ann Henderson, Bunt and Cookie Massey and others, we have been mesmerized by their many warm stories about people and traditions in our community. The Clements, Rooks, Reutimanns, and others have jogged our memories about sports, entertainment and events that locals cherish. Along the way with the assistance of the Depot, Zephyrhills Historical Society and so many individuals, wonderful photos have surfaced that often capture events without words. So with that in mind and perhaps with the old script of that Thanksgiving Song by Lydia Maria Child that so many of us sang in school at this time of year, “Over The River and Through the Woods To Grandmother’s House We go…” we wish to share three photos that capture three example families from Zephyrhills over time.

The dates are: 1945, 1960 and 1969. It so happens that two of these families were in the midst of visiting grandparents when the photos were snapped and all three photos give us a glimpse of the importance of connections in our lives. Happy Thanksgiving!

1945: THE MILLER FAMILY

The Miller children stand in front of the landmark Neukom’s Drug Store which posted a sign announcing, ‘War Bond Sales.’ The photo taken in 1945 showed Larry, Glenn, Nancy and Craig Miller enjoying a refreshing ice cream cone in downtown Zephyrhills. Feel the home-town warmth!

1960: THE FIRST FAMILY

The First family  including Mary Crawford First and sons, Gary and Greg traveled to Cleveland, Ohio to visit their grandmother in 1960 by railroad and they boarded the train at the Zephyrhills Depot which was then located where the Village Inn is now located. “At that age, nothing was more fun than riding a train, especially visiting the dining car,” said Greg who has been the ‘voice of the local Zephyrhills High School Bulldogs’ for over twenty years as sports announcer.

1969: THE TRAVIS FAMILY

Bernie Wickstrom ran the Travis family photo in the Zephyrhills News after the family had just returned from an antique car show in 1969 and a visit to the grandfather’s home. Mr. Travis had a hobby of restoring Kaiser autos and this was a vintage 1947 Frazer Manhattan made by Kaiser-Frazer. They had just driven from Zephyrhills to visit relatives in upstate New York and they recalled watching the moon landing on their Grandfather’s black-and-white TV, this was the era of Woodstock.  In the photo were: June, Cindy, Jeff, Bob and Cliff Travis along with their dachshund,  Penny.

For Clereen and Madonna, family is an essential part of our lives, and we wish each and everyone a very lovely Thanksgiving!  We hope sometime during the holiday weekend, you’ll have an opportunity to remember some family events that have shaped your life. Whether you are visiting grandparents or perhaps savoring our lovely Florida weather with an ice cream cone instead of a turkey, we know you’ll remember past times as we do!

In our ongoing effort to capture the memories, please send us your stories about Thanksgiving.

Over The River and Through The Woods

Over the river, and through the wood,

To Grandfather’s house we go;

The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh

through the white and drifted snow.

Over the river, and through the wood—

Oh, how the wind does blow!

It stings the toes and bites the nose

As over the ground we go.

Over the river, and through the wood,

To have a first-rate play.

Hear the bells ring, “Ting-a-ling-ding”,

Hurrah for Thanksgiving Day!

Over the river, and through the wood

Trot fast, my dapple-gray!

Spring over the ground like a hunting-hound,

For this is Thanksgiving Day.

Over the river, and through the wood—

And straight through the barnyard gate,

We seem to go extremely slow,

It is so hard to wait!

Over the river, and through the wood—

Now Grandmother’s cap I spy!

Hurrah for the fun! Is the pudding done?

Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!

Countdown to Centennial By Madonna Jervis Wise and Clereen Morrill Brunty of the 100th Anniversary Committee, ZHS. Article originally appeared in the Zephyrhills News on November 19, 2009. All rights reserved. Photos © Madonna Jervis Wise

Our mission is to preserve memories of the 100 year history of education in Zephyrhills and we love sharing anecdotes and milestones of the past. Coinciding with the 100 year educational history and certainly embedded within it is the golden anniversary of West Zephyrhills Elementary School. This weekend, the school is honoring the 50 years of service to the community with a bash on campus. Clereen will be there representing our duo since Madonna will be in Louisville, Kentucky as a mom of her daughter, Rachel who is competing in a speech competition. We both send our congratulations and deepest gratitude to all who have served West over time!

As you might imagine, we dug up some Zephyrhills News articles over time to give you a flavor of this elementary school. Recently, we attended the inspirational memorial ceremony of the second principal of West, Ferdinand Renninger. Randall Belcher gave a moving tribute to this fine gentleman and asked that Ferd’s family, colleagues and friends share their recollections. There were moving tributes and one of the stories was particularly charming and we believe captures the spirit of Ferd as well as West. Zephyrhills businessman, Brant Blessing, a ZHS alumni of 1965, related that he was the Assistant Principal at West and was recruited by Mr. Renninger. He said that Ferd was a true inspiration but also a person who knew how to seize the moment and have some fun. To inspire the students in the 1960’s, Ferd proposed that Brant dress up in a superman costume and frolic across the campus, waving his cape to inspire the students to do their best. Brant’s wife, Beth, sewed the costume and Brant made his rounds across the campus. Brant related that customers at his State Farm Insurance office to this day, remember his superman flight at West Zephyrhills Elementary School. Can you imagine how many other stories could be told by the walls of West Zephyrhills Elementary?

It holds laughter, tears, triumphs, and inspiration that have undoubtedly impacted many generations. To the hundreds of students, teachers, staff and parents who have walked the halls of West, we say, thank you for your contributions.

Here are some glimpses of Zephyrhills News coverage over time to help you recall some milestones:

1959: First Principal! Stewart Brown has been reappointed principal of ZHS. The Pasco County Board of Public Instruction on Tuesday also appointed Arleis E. Ross principal of the new Zephyrhills Elementary School and Thomas McCree of Volusia County, to the principalship of the on-the-campus Junior-High-Elementary School.

March 18 1960: Zephyrhills West Elementary School was dedicated during Zephyrhills Founders’ Days in ceremonies at which Chester Taylor, Pasco County School Superintendent, officiated in the new cafetorium. John T.V. Clark, Jr. directed the ZHS Band in a program of music.

Taylor told how the new school was planned and financed. The plant proper, exclusive of walkways, embraces 13,655 square feet built at a cost of $11.95 per square foot, the entire amount for the cafetorium and eight classrooms totaling $181,000. The school has a capacity for 24 classrooms when completed it its entirety. Mrs. Pauline Boggs sold the 43-acre site to school officials for $21,192 and Taylor said eventually the campus may include a junior high school plant. Zephyrhills West Elementary is probably the only school in Pasco County with maximum plans for expansion, he stated.

Superintendent Taylor said:

“We dedicate this school building, providing parents of the community with a plant in which teachers can pridefully instruct, with the thought in mind, however, that no school can offset the evil influence not merely of a bad home but of a home with low disciplinary and moral standards.

If fathers and mothers offer their children no more intellectual fare than comic books, a television set and picture magazines; if they make a home merely a place to sleep, drink and eat, and not the center of life then they have no right to complain of schools.”

Arleis E. Ross, principal, officially accepted the school keys from I.A. DeMinicis, Architect. Platform guests included Zephyrhills city officials, Pasco County board members and school trustees. A 49-star American flag for use in the auditorium and another for the outdoor flagpole were presented to the school by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, with Mrs. Robert Sibley, assisted by Mrs. Jack Selzer.

1962: Elementary Graduation–Special ceremonies for graduation of 6th grade pupils into junior high will be held Monday, June 4, at West Elementary School. Miss Alice Zimmerman is in charge of planning both programs.

1963: Teacher assignments at Zephyrhills schools for the school year beginning in the fall have been announced by Chester Taylor, Jr. At ZHS, where Charles A. Henderson is principal the faculty will include: Lamar Calhoun, John F. Clements, John T.V. Clark, John D. Geiger, Mrs. Alpha S. Gill, Mrs. Betty Jane Hall, Mrs. Constance C. Kaylor, S.B. Kendricks, Ernest Kretschmar, Jr., Mrs. Marjorie Parantha, Earl Reitz, Mrs. Katharine Swing, W.A. Worthington, Lewis K. Wynne, William R. Jeffries, D. Hobson, Laird Jr., Miss Marion J. Ditter, Mrs. Lillian B. Johnson, William R. Kustes, Charles W. McKinney, Will H. McRaney, Clyde R. Mills, Green Napier and Mrs. Georgia H. Skyles.

West Elementary School, with Arleis E. Ross as principal, will have these faculty members: Mrs. Celia Anderson, Mrs. Vianna Gall, Miss Peggy Padgett, Mrs. Beulah Flynn, Mrs. Hettie Jane Price, Mrs. Anne Tipton, Mrs. Dorothy Rhodes, Mrs. Dorothy D. Turner and Mrs. Constance A. Ronnick and Mrs. Marguerite Goetz.

October 26, 1967: Zephyrhills News, ‘Memorial to Principal Arleis E. Ross’ – A colored photographic portrait of Arleis E. Ross, Principal of West Elementary School from its founding in 1959 until his death earlier this year, was unveiled in a ceremony in the school lobby. Mrs. Ross, Dade City, was on hand for the unveiling ceremony

May 4, 1967: Arleis Edward Ross, 51, principal of Zephyrhills West Elementary School since it was opened eight years ago, died Tuesday morning at Lakeland General Hospital. He had been in ill health for several months, suffering from a brain tumor. Services are to be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the Sanctuary of the first Methodist Church in Dade City with the Rev. James R. Crook, pastor of the First Methodist Church of Dade City, officiating. All three Zephyrhills schools will be closed Friday morning during the funeral. Students will not report to homerooms until 11 a.m., it was announced Wednesday morning by Ferd Renninger, principal of East and acting principal at West during Mr. Ross’s illness. Mr. Ross was born August 17, 1915 in Whitley County, Kentucky of Frank Ross and Mary Ellen Davenport Ross. He came to Pasco County 13 years ago from Pine Knot, Kentucky, where he taught after receiving both the Bachelor of Arts and masters degrees in education from Eastern Kentucky State College. Mr. Ross served as Assistant Principal at ZHS prior to assuming the principalship of West Elementary.

He was a Methodist, a member of the National Educational Association, Florida Education Association, and the Principal’s Association of Pasco County. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Verna H. Ross of Dade City; a son, Ralph E. of Melbourne.

1967: Almost 9000 students are expected to enroll in Pasco County schools, and a share of this increase is expected in Zephyrhills. At West Elementary enrollment topped 425 last year (it had been only 330 in 1965-66) and is conservatively estimated at 470 this year and at East Elementary, where the average daily attendance was 341 last year, about 360 are expected to enroll.

At all three centers some additional transferring in of African American students is expected, although crowded conditions will somewhat limit a total “freedom of choice” operation in the county. Although to any school of their choice, the school board has reserved the right to limit such changes in accordance with available space.

1968:Zephyrhills’ three public schools had a combined opening day enrollment of 1,636 students as classes for the 1968-69 term began Friday. Of this number 721 were enrolled at ZHS, 435 at East Elementary School and 480 at West Elementary. School Principals Raymond B. Stewart, James Walker and Ferd Renninger of the three schools, respectively; anticipate an appreciable increase in the enrollment figures as students return from vacation trips.

1971: West Elementary School’s opening day enrollment of 600 had been predicted and school closed Wednesday with 618 enrolled. This is an increase of 89 over last year. Double Sessions went off well. Except for some wrinkles to be ironed out in bus schedules to bring all of the buses into the schools at about the same time, everything went smoothly “all things considered,” on opening day Tuesday.

1975: Leland Brant Blessing, former ZHS basketball star, will return to this community in the fall as the new assistant principal of West Zephyrhills Elementary School, Principal Ferd E. Renninger has announced. West Elementary has 900 students on double sessions; the school has a rated capacity of about 600 students, Principal Renninger has never had a full-time assistant.

A 1965 graduate of ZHS, he was a member of the ZHS state championship basketball team.

1976: New instructors are Miss Susan Sullivan, Mrs. Christine Cole, and Mrs. Evelyn Hilton, a 1975 graduate of ZHS.

1978: West Zephyrhills Elementary School Principal Reinninger will be the first principal for the new elementary school now being built west of ZHS, Woodland Elementary. The new principal for West Zephyrhills Elementary will be Louis Freijo. Freijo is certified in elementary administration and has been employed by the Pasco County system for the past seven years.

1993: In 1993, Principal Jeanette Lovelace chaired the district-level committee for the development of the new elementary report card. She worked with representatives from all groups to develop a new assessment system that was researched-based and aligned to the needs of children and stakeholders.

1996: Principal Jeanette Lovelace oversaw the renovation of the West Zephyrhills Elementary campus. It received a new facelift with the addition of a new administrative building and several new classrooms. Having served as the principal since 1987, Mrs. Lovelace was delighted to unveil the beautiful newly remodeled school site.

1998: In 1998, six Florida Educators were chosen as Fulbright Scholars and were hosted by the Government of Japan to a visit to Japanese schools and homes. The representatives included Madonna Jervis Wise, Principal from West Zephyrhills who forged a partnership between her school and the elementary school in Nara, Japan. This grew into an international partnership which was initiated by Dr. Mary Giella, Assistant Superintendent who tapped Wise to be part of the USF initiative. Ing-Britt Pousette, principal from Sweden, nodded approvingly as a parent at West described how she volunteers twice a week to help children at the school learn to read.”It is better when the teachers are not always the experts,” said Pousette, 46, of St. Olofsskolan School in Sundsvall, Sweden. Pousette concluded that Swedish and U.S. schools face many of the same challenges. West and Sundsvall, Sweden students compared notes on weather and climate conditions throughout the year.

1999: Nancy Massey Perkins was named Pasco County’s outstanding social studies teacher in 1999. Nancy, a 1970 graduate of ZHS, attended West Zephyrhills elementary as a student and is proud of the fact that her mother has served the school for many years as a bus driver as well. She was nominated by Kathy Steiner, District Social Studies Supervisor, because of her innovative interdisciplinary units on Native Americans and The Wild West. Perkins arranged for the entire school to visit Spunk Sasser’s Rodeo and much to everyone’s surprise, Perkins and Principal Wise rode their quarter horses for the kids!

2003: West Zephyrhills Elementary jumped two letter grades, from a C to an A – the largest improvement of any of the schools in the county.

“We are all in shock,” said a gleeful Emily Keene, principal at West Zephyrhills. Keene said that when she saw the grades on the State Department of Education’s Web site, she announced it over the intercom for the enjoyment of teachers working during the summer. Keene credited the school’s teachers for their focus on reading and writing instruction last year. An after-school program that attracted about 60 students also helped, she said. “It was just a lot of hard work,” Keene said. “I’m really proud of everyone.”

From Clereen and Madonna, we second that Emily! We are very proud of all who have served West!

Countdown to Centennial By Madonna Jervis Wise and Clereen Morrill Brunty of the 100th Anniversary Committee, ZHS. Article originally appeared in the Zephyrhills News on November 5, 2009. All rights reserved. Photos © Madonna Jervis Wise

In follow up to our countdown story on James E. and Claudette Davis, we asked alumni to send us recollections. We got some wonderful responses. Here are a few that we think you will enjoy.

Coach Davis was on me to play football. I told him that I was not playing. My plan was to avoid  spring practice. Then my plan was to come out when the regular season started. Mr. Davis said, Robert, you are to play and I said, I’m not playing now. Coach Davis arrived at our house at 5:30 a.m. the next morning and ended up having coffee and breakfast with my mom. I ended up having to go to spring training! ~Robert Reeves ‘70

As a 1972 graduate of ZHS I had the opportunity of knowing Mr. Jimmy Davis during his days as a teacher and principal.  He was the epitome of a true, southern gentleman, and I always had a tremendous amount of respect for him. However, it was not until I married into the Hill family in 1975, that I really got to know him well.  He was like a third son to Ada and Ed Hill (my in-laws) and another brother to my late husband, Dale, and brother in-law, Carl.  Over the years we spent many special times together as “southern” families do—great meals, celebrations of marriage, anniversaries, births, birthdays and even those times of mourning as we said farewell to our loved ones.

There was always one constant…and that was Jimmy’s presence!  He was always there for us…in good times and bad. But the most wonderful memories that my family shared with Jimmy are the many special hunting trips spent together in our camp in southwest Georgia.  Jimmy was by far the best friend to Ed, Ada and Dale and Carl, but as our children (Tiffani, Britni, Dustin, Heather, Kara and David) grew up, they too loved Jimmy and his family as if they were blood relatives.  He was a tremendous support to my children and I during Dale’s death in 1995, and a wonderful mentor to all of our children in regard to educational endeavors.  He always gave wise advice to us and it was guided by his moral compass and tremendous compassion to see others succeed in life.  His educational background and loving support helped to pave the way for the success that our children have experienced in both college and their early careers.  I so wish Jim and Claudette a wonderful retirement and many years of contentment that is so well deserved!  I salute Jimmy Davis as both an educational mentor and a wonderful friend!!  He is truly a beloved and extended part of the HILL family… and always will be. ~Judy (Alston) Hill ‘72

I was a student under Mr. Davis; he was a teacher, mentor, and without me knowing it a friend.  I can clearly recall my math class with Mr. Davis. Ben Cook and Tony Neal were in the class with me, and we received some special tutoring on a regular basis. Our parents had agreed to corporal punishment as needed, and well let’s just say, we needed it more than I like to remember.  He also would let me sneak away to the lunchroom where my grandmother worked (Belle Locke) to scam a couple of her best fresh-baked yeast rolls.  I always shared!  I left ZHS for three years to attend Brandon and returned just after Christmas break in the 11th grade.  Sure enough there was Mr. Davis, and we resumed our special relationship, yet now it was more of a mentoring and coaching friendship. He often asked, “Kenny, what are you going to do with your life?”  I really did not know.  He helped guide me to the Air Force where I served 20 years and retired.  I would often see Jim after I left school. My mother Nell Nesbit, ZHS Class of ’56, worked as a special education assistant, so I would stop in and talk with Jim.  He was always interested in what I was doing, and what my plans were.  He was a true example of leadership. I learned so much from him, and I hope in the end he is proud of me as a student and a person. ~Ken Nesbit ‘72

My memories of Mr. Davis are as  “Coach” because that is what he always was to us. My older brothers were on the football and track teams so I got to hang around their practices from about fourth grade on. I remember Coach giving the players instructions on running through the line in football. Then without pads on he would show them. I also remember him being the strongest person I had ever seen—lifting weights. I remember going fishing with him along with my dad and brothers. Then later on as Dean of Boys getting sent to his office; he would tell me to not do whatever it was that got me sent to the office and then we would talk about fishing. He was a very respected person growing up and a father-type figure as well. Thanks, Coach Davis! ~Keith Reeves ‘76

I remember my brother, Larry Thomas, class of 1970 who thought highly of Coach Davis as his JV football coach in the late 60’s. I had him at Junior High. You always knew he would listen and he always carried himself like an exemplary leader. Gee! He witnessed a lot of changes. He may have been old school by the one’s I see today, but had good character – Solid character! ~Cyndee Thomas ‘79

Claudette Davis is a classy southern lady! She was a wonderful co-worker who brought energy, wit, and knowledge to the worksites she served in Pasco County.  My years working with Claudette were some of the most enjoyable times of my career that I spent working at West Zephyrhills Elementary School.  She made it fun–not like work at all.  She was truly the best of friend to me through challenging and changing times in education.~ Nancy Massey Perkins ’70

Countdown to Centennial By Madonna Jervis Wise and Clereen Morrill Brunty of the 100th Anniversary Committee, ZHS. Article originally appeared in the Zephyrhills News on November 5, 2009. All rights reserved. Photos © Madonna Jervis Wise

Dorothy. may have said there is no place like home but Principal Jim Davis clearly feels there is no place like Zephyrhills. He is thankful for the opportunity to have served a cohesive community such as Zephyrhills that was concerned about young people and showed warmth and caring. “I would do it all again!” said Jim.

We had the distinct pleasure this week to interview James E. Davis who served as Principal of ZHS, Zephyrhills Junior High and Director of Employee Relations for the School District and his wife of 42 years, Claudette who also retired as an educator from Pasco County Schools.  Many alumni asked us to interview Mr. and Mrs. Davis for a countdown tribute.

Mr. Davis served ZHS from 1966 to 1975 and was principal from 1973 to 1975. He had the unique situation of assuming the principalship in 1973 when previous principal, Raymond Stewart was appointed by Florida Governor Reuben Askew to complete the term of Rodney B. Cox, Superintendent,  who died suddenly. It was an emotional and tumultuous time and Mr. Davis was the man for the job to bring a sense of normalcy and caring to the school during the transition. Later after Raymond lost the superintendent’s election, James became principal at ZJHS (now R.B. Stewart Middle School) from 1975 to 1984. Prior to becoming principal, James was a dean of students, assistant principal, math teacher and coach for hundreds of students at ZHS.

He retired in 2003 after serving for 19 years as the chief negotiator for the school district in the position of Director of Employee Relations. This unique leadership experience is indicative of the character of the man; Jim voluntarily stepped down as high school principal when Ray Stewart was out of a job because he felt it was the right thing to do. Undoubtedly that character has impacted many students, in fact generations, and enriched our community!

As we interviewed Jim and Claudette we found several recurring themes in their recollections: memories of students, pride in teachers, fondness for the community and commitment.

STUDENTS: “I enjoyed every one of them, and I remember them all,” Jim said. “I always tried to treat students the way I would want people to treat my kids.” Claudette added, “The students always knew that Jim cared.”

The life of a principal is one of self-sacrifice. Often Jim supervised students until midnight after ball games making certain that every student was safely picked up. Being a dean was a tough and grueling job as well; Jim recalled that he would telephone parents if students were absent (before the automated phone systems of today). He recalled making a phone call to the home of Mark Penney from the Class of 1971, a running back on the ZHS football team and talking with his mother.  After the mother said Mark was refusing to come to school, Jim made a home visit, ousted Mark and was invited for breakfast. After this incident Mark never missed another day of school.

A few personal anecdotes that Jim shared, were representative of the impact that he had on families. During his first year of teaching at ZHS after having taught in Tampa for one year, a group of his Van Buren students skipped school to make an excursion to Zephyrhills just to visit Mr. Davis. He recalls being called down to the principal’s office to meet with the group. One member of that first group of students, Bruce Kidd, telephoned Jim a couple of years ago to let him know that he had become a math professor at St. Petersburg Junior College.

Reuben Odom was another story that came to mind as Jim recalled Reuben phoning him at 2:00 a.m. a few years ago while on leave from the Navy to let him know that he was getting married the next day.  He just thought his old coach would want to know and characteristically, Jim felt honored to receive the call, even in the middle of the night.

Claudette and Jim said that they see students everywhere they go. Jim particularly enjoys the multi-generational groups. Even while serving as principal, he said it was quite extraordinary to work with a student whose parent you had also taught.  Not only do they see students in the local community, they said they have run into former students in other locations, Louisiana and elsewhere. The impact is truly far-reaching not only in geographic but personal impact. Jim is proud that several of his students later became teachers; Jerry Pricher and others keep in close contact with him.

BUILDINGS: Jim reminisced about the former ZHS campus. He said he remembered walking in to the vintage 1926 brick building each morning and just absorbing the character and history of the place.  When the school was on double sessions, he would usually arrive at 6:00 a.m. and do a regular walkthrough.  The auditorium and the hallways held many memories. Jim began teaching at ZHS in the first portable that the school district ever built. He said his portable was beside the classroom of Jean Murphy who was one of the first reading teachers in the school district. He personally constructed sidewalks along with Ray Stewart and tore down one of the Physical Education sheds. Lots of labor was poured into those buildings and the principals used to perform a great deal of it themselves.

COMMUNITY: “Zephyrhills was a fine place to work and an excellent place to raise your family,” said Jim. People had different concerns and positions but they worked through them without personal animosity.  So many key people made a difference; he recalled Jack Linville, Phil Shaver, Don Robinson, George Neukom, Bill Eiland, Bob Howell Bernie Wickstrom, and Irene Dobson. “I think the community supported the school  because they saw good people who cared about students.” Jim was principal of ZHS during integration and when asked about that time frame, he said that although they had a few situations, it was a smooth time. Openness with the students and creating an atmosphere of acceptance was essential. He credited Irene Dobson and the first African American Assistant Principal, Melvin Denard, as being instrumental in assisting with the process as well.

PARENTS:  Forging a bond with the parents was also a key principle that he followed. Jim said, “When parents realize you will protect and teach their children, and that you are headed in the same direction, you are a team. I believe in getting to know the parents. In those days the auditorium was jammed full when we had parent meetings.  The parents really viewed the principal and teachers as extensions of themselves as well.”

TEACHERS: Jim often brought the coaches home for dinner, said Claudette who is known to be a fantastic cook.  They recalled a time when Jim interviewed a teacher applicant, Carl Waldron and Jim invited him home for lunch; Jim said Carl called his wife, Mary, right there and said “I want this job because the principal even took me to his house for lunch.” Jim said that he had the type of teachers that you wanted to teach your own children. “They all liked kids!” He reminisced about Business/Language Arts Teacher, Constance Kaylor and recalled the day that she came to school and as they were chatting over a cup of coffee, mentioned that she had tripped on the sidewalk on the way to school. As it turned out she had broken her arm on the way to school but was concerned that Mr. Davis might not be able to find a suitable substitute, so wanted to make sure her students were taken care of before going to the hospital.

Throughout the interview Jim shared vignettes on some of the outstanding staff. Recognizable names were George Scudder, Cora McCreedy, John Clements, Jean Murphy, Ron Jeffries, Lisa Gude, Jake Redmon, Melvin Denard, Joyce Snow, Jane Reams, Stan Kendrick, Victor Smith, Liz Geiger, Victor Smith, Marion Crawford, Ann Crawford, Bill Kustes, Bill Worthington, Hazel Massey, Cora McCreedy, Dan Thomas, Mary Lou Massey and countless others.  He said an outstanding secretary, Evelyn Lail, contributed to many smooth years as well.

Jim shared that as Director of Employee Relations, he negotiated the teacher contact for nearly 20 years with the Union President, Liz Geiger, who had been one of the best math teachers he had known and always enjoyed a friendly camaraderie. He laughed about recruiting lunchroom manager Mary Lou Massey away from colleague principal, Ferd Renninger. It was obvious in the interview that Mr. Davis was a leader who inspired his staff.

As authors, we both had numerous encounters with Mr. Davis. Clereen was a student of his under his principalship and shared with him that she vividly recalled the location on the campus where she was caught in a public display of affection (PDA) and received her one and only detention. She chuckled as she recalled, “Mr. Davis, it must have been a great kiss because Jim Brunty and I have now been married 35 years.”  Madonna also shared that she was proud to recall that Jim hired her in her first teaching job and had a profound affect upon her career as well. “He and Claudette are just the best!”

Claudette Davis served for many years in the Pasco County School System as well. She is perhaps best known as the principal’s secretary for West Zephyrhills Elementary where she retired a few years ago but also helped to open Centennial Elementary School, Woodland Elementary School and Weightman Middle School. She fondly recalls working at Moore-Mickens Middle School in its final year as a middle school. Claudette is known as a wonderful care-taker for children and a tremendous child and parent advocate. Pitching in with fundraisers, joining in to serve at school dinners for the community and hosting celebrations for FCAT successes are memories that many have of Claudette. Always the first one to greet new students and parents coming to retrieve their children for an appointment or early dismissal, her warmth and nurturing spirit set the tone for the school.  All remember her lovely smile. Asked to share some memories, Claudette recalled her friend the Rev. Cora Hill whom she worked with at Moore-Mickens.

Mr. Davis is a 1959 Brandon High School graduate who served in the Army Reserve and graduated from the University of South Florida (its first graduating class) with a Bachelor of Arts in education in 1964. He taught and coached one year at Pasco Junior High and one year at Van Buren Junior High in Tampa, before coming to ZHS in 1966 as a ninth grade teacher. He coached track five years and assisted in football two years and was appointed as Dean of Boys in 1968. He became Stewart’s assistant in 1971.  He earned a Master’s Degree in Administration from Western Carolina University in 1971. Claudette and Jim have three children: Kimberly, Kelly, and James Jr. They are very proud of their children’s accomplishments. Kimberly Cassarelli is a cadet in the Police Academy and the parent of two children, Devon and Erin; Daughter Kelly Padilla is a graduate of USF and employed by Well Care and the parent of Frankie; and son, Jimmy is a graduate of the University of Florida where he is employed and currently working on his Master’s Degree.  All are graduated of ZHS.

Clereen and I could not resist asking about the obvious love affair between this handsome and devoted couple. With a chuckle, they said their first date was the ZHS senior prom at the Zephyrhills Municipal Auditorium. Jim said, “Can you imagine? The first date and I was supervising the students?”  Claudette laughed and said, “Not to worry, it was love at first sight.” They both agreed that acclimating to Zephyrhills was assisted by the gracious support of Beanie Clements and Betty Hall who would leave a gift or share a kindness to help them feel more a part of the Zephyrhills community!

Thank you Jim and Claudette for all of the lives you have touched.  The legacy will stretch to further generations. We are humbled by your service and want you to know you serve as an example to all of us!

Next week we would like to share alumni recollections of Jim and Claudette. Please write in!

Countdown to Centennial By Madonna Jervis Wise and Clereen Morrill Brunty of the 100th Anniversary Committee, ZHS. Article originally appeared in the Zephyrhills News on October 29, 2009. All rights reserved. Photos © Madonna Jervis Wise