Branford High School - Buccaneer Yearbook (Branford, FL)

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Alexander Lane Purcell Born November 14, 1918, in Neuva Gerona, Isle of Pines, Cuba, graduated from Branford High School in 1939. He attended Bowling Green in Kentucky for two years, and graduated from the University of Florida in 1951. His long teaching career began in Starke, Florida where he taught five years while completing his degree at the University of Florida. He began teaching at Branford in 1950 and has contributed over thirty-five years of faithful, dedicated service to the youth of these two communities. His certification includes: English, Social Studies, Typing, Business Education, and Driver’s Education. Those of us who know and love him will always remember his classic reaction to nearly all situations — serious or comical — and that is simply “Hummph!” If time and space permitted, we could fill a book with the many hair-raising experiences and reactions of this brave Driver’s Education teacher. Special interests of Mr. Purcell include net fishing (with “greenhorns” beating the grass for mullet), loafing (with a cold drink and a candy bar down at the Inspection Station), philosophizing (with any and everyone), and helping others (wherever and whenever he can). His interest, willingness, and skill in photography has been in- valuable to the present and numerous past annual staffs. The faithful, familiar sight, with camera slung over his shoulder, will be sorely missed on campus. Over the years, Mr. Purcell has been very active in numerous social organizations including the Sportsman’s Club, the Men’s Club, a volunteer fireman, and also served as the Mayor of Branford. It seems that Mr. Purcell has a solid philosophy regarding life. It goes like this: “Everything is an attitude! Your approach to life is affected by attitude toward school, work, and life. You can make it a pleasure and successful or dull and difficult — just by your attitude.” Well, Mr. Purcell, it obviously has worked for you and surely was passed on to many students who have been fortunte enough to have passed under your guidance. Please accept our sincere appreciation for the many, many years of dedicated service and unselfish assistance. We proudly dedicate our 1980-81 Branford Buc- caneer to you. May your retirement be long and filled with happiness! The Branford Buccaneer Staff