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Page 20 The Polk County Democrat

NAMED FROM PAGE 1 She explains that she and BHS principal Emilean Clemons had worked together when they were each assistant principals in charge of curriculum several years ago — Clemons at BHS and Hardman at George Jenkins High. “We already had a relationship, so it’s an easy fit,” she said. “The great thing here at Bartow High School is that the system of three schools in one is very powerful for our students. Because they have a choice here and can have some involvement with each school, it gives them a broader selection and exposure.” She also will know many of the

June 27, 2015 incoming freshman because they will be moving from Union to BHS. “I’m really excited about that. It’ll be interesting and fun to grow that relationship that started at Union to here at Bartow,” she said. “This is really a perfect set-up. This is a very balanced program and kids adapt well to it.” She added that IB students have required courses, but for their electives they may go to either BHS or Summerlin Academy classes. That way, they have an instant family and fit in with several groups of their fellow students. It creates a very productive and exciting atmosphere for both the students and the teachers.” One of Hardman’s goals at Bartow High IB is the same as one she set for Union Academy. “I want people to see this school

as part of the community. It is the community,” the former social studies teacher said. “Our job is to get our students ready to take their places in that community, to be the leaders it will need in the future,” she said. Hardman is a PacWest transplant, moving from Seattle to Arizona to Colorado to Texas where she tried her hand at television. She got her bachelor’s degree in TV production, then took time out to raise her children. When her son and daughter went off to school, so did she. “When we moved to Florida, I decided to go back to school and got an education degree at Florida Southern College,” she said. After that she earned a master’s in education and social sciences. She topped it all off with a doctorate, in the same

education fields. From school,she hit the classroom at McKeel Academy, followed by a tour at George Jenkins High, where she taught social studies for six years. While at George Jenkins she earned her doctorate and took on the role of first, academic dean, then assistant principal for curriculum. “I just want people to know how great Bartow IB and Bartow High School is,” she said. “The kids are great, the community is great and I’m looking forward to being a part of it all.” With Hardman’s re-assignment, the principal’s slot at Union is vacant. It was not known at press time when that position will be filled. Until then, Hardman said she will continue her involvement with both schools.

HOMEWORK FROM PAGE 1 Reed read each of the names: They were Susie Jackson, Daniel Simmons Sr., Ethel Lance, Myra Thompson, Cynthia Hurd, DePayne Middleton, Rev. Sharonda Singleton, Rev. Clementa Pinckney and Tywanza Sanders. Dylann Roof, 21, is accused of gunning them down in their church last Wednesday. Thompson, formerly the pastor at St. James, outlined what happened in the event that has subsequently jolted the nation. “Pastor Pinckney and another pastor were teaching Bible study in the basement when the doors opened,” he said. The doors opened and Dylann Roof walked in to the historic black church. “There was no prejudice for the color of his skin and there was no shame. He was welcomed warmly and he even took a seat next to the pastor,” Thompson said. He then drew his weapon and started firing. “He let one person go, to tell of the dastardly deed,” he said. But, he said, Dylann didn’t do his homework. Picking a fight against an African Methodist Church is the wrong thing to do. “African Methodist Church is one of the oldest churches. We were part of the underground railroad that helped free the slaves,” he said. The country ended up uniting behind the victims and by Sunday, only four days later, services were held in the church. That unity was reflected when Sheriff Grady Judd spoke. “The headlines rang out the next day, and in the midst of this act, something amazing happened,” Judd said. “Hate won’t win.” He said Thursday that people came to the church to honor the nine people killed, but added there is a feeling of unity that has never been touched before. Just because it did not happen in “our town,” it can be felt. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said the measure of a person is not on where he stands when it is convenient but in times of challenge and “today we’re together … tomorrow we will be together … and forever we will be together.” Now is most certainly the time to show that togetherness and unity, said Pastor

Bartow residents listen to a sermon by Rev. Jimmy Jay Thompson Thursday at a prayer vigil for victims of the shooting by Dylann Roof at the Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C. Donan Wilcox, 3, holds on to his father, Milton, as his mother, Kylie and his sister Talitha, 5, joined them.

Bartow residents hold hands while singing “We Shall Overcome” Thursday night at a prayer vigil at the St. James AME Church. People were mourning the deaths of nine people in a mass shooting at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C., on June 17. Thomas Presley. “We have to take this tragedy and turn it into triumph,” he told those who attended the vigil. “God will look at us to come together. When we unite, we can come together.” Presley said now is the time to unite in every way and that includes forming a ministerial association that includes both the black and white churches. “Bartow is a great community, but what happened in Charleston can happen in Bartow,” he said. Pastor Derrick Bonney, the reverend of the St. James AME Church, said this incident has brought the book “Red Badge of Courage” to his mind. “It stands on the premise that not to judge how we look on the outside, but for what unites us and what is on the inside,” he said. “Remember not the things that divide us, but what will unite us.” Pastor Ron Burks, though quite heartbroken by the acts of murder, said he is also experiencing happiness at what has come in the first week since the tragedy. “My heart is burning for joy. I saw (the victims) staring in the face of one who took those lives from them and it may have signaled an end to racism. They said, ‘brother, we forgive you.’” With that, he was met with applause from the congregation. “God,” he said. “My heart is bursting with joy at looking at the witnesses of that tragedy. We are not a red country, a blue country or a white country or a black country. We are one country and we are uniting together as one country.”

PHOTOS BY JEFF ROSLOW

Those who spoke at Thursday’s prayer vigil at the St. James AME Church held hands in praying for togetherness. From left are Pastor Thomas Presley, Sheriff Grady Judd, Pastor Derrick Bonney, Rev. Jimmy J. Thompson, Joe Halman and Rev. Ron Burks.

Carver Young raises his hand as in front of him Pastor Derrick Bonney and Rev. Jimmy J. Thompson sing for the victims of the mass shooting at Mother Emanuel AME Church. The prayer vigil Thursday took place at St. James AME Church.

Pastor Thomas Presley looks skyward standing beside Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd Thursday while singing “We Shall Overcome” at a prayer vigil for the victims of the mass shooting at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C.