Clinton High School - Memorabilia Yearbook (Clinton, MA)

Page 12 text:

Superintendent Thomas F. Gibbons, A.B. L.L.B. A scholar anti a talented business execu- tive, he is naturally at the head of the Public Schools of the town. As behts the educational leader of the com- munity. Superintendent Thomas F. Gibbons is a scholar. He was graduated with honors from 1 loly Cross College, and also with honors from Boston University School of Law. And, what is most important, he carries on through life a love of sound scholarship that is an inspiration to his co workers and that sets a high example of achievement to the boys and girls under his general guidance. Yet be combines with his scholastic attain- ments a keen business ability that has won him the respect of the business and civic leaders of the town. At no time eluring his more than a score of years of laithful service, has his depart ment ever exceeded its budget or spent money without receiving adequate service or goods in exchange. Mr. Gibbons has saved the town many thousands of dollars during his years ol service. This saving is well known to all who interest themselves in the finances of the town. This group knows him to be a shrewd and able administrator. Mr. Gibbons is eminently fitted also by long years of practical experience in the class room to supervise the education of the boys and girls ol Clinton. He taught in Clinton, New York City, Fordham College, and Grantwood, New Jersey. I Ins wide training in several school systems gave him a broad and practical norm to guide him in administering the academic work in the local schools. The excellent re- sults attained by him are recognized by bis fellow superintendents, and those others able to appreciate the excellent reputation that the local school system has throughout this state. He has another gilt called common sense — which incidentally is not so common. He in- tuitively detects the sham and the false; he gives proper weight to the important and the unim- portant; be keeps always in view the primary purpose ol a school system — education. Expensive lads and toibles, that are adopted, tried, and discarded by some school departments, have no place here. He makes no experiments. Yet he has the uncanny faculty of selecting the best in modern education, and of introducing it into our local schools — quietly, effectively, effi- ciently, and modestly. All recognize his high ideals and his stern integrity ol character, but there is one hidden trait of kindliness that is known best by his intimates, his fellow teachers, and the many little children who have no one in high places to light their battles. I le is the champion of the rights ol this last group. As these have grown to manhood under Ins supervision, they have recognized this I act ol his personality and they fine him lor it. X