Graduates of historic Gables school reunite at Carver Middle

By Priscilla Greear

Back in 1941, G.W. Carver High School in Coral Gables graduated one student who became a physician, at least 10 who became teachers and two who earned Ph.D.s -- out of a class of about 20 black students at what was then the Dade County Training School for African-American youth.

Among those, Dazelle Dean Simpson, M.D., made the most of her education to receive a strong academic foundation, being undeterred by the school’s limited resources, such as the chemistry lab that had no more than a test tube and Bunsen burner. She went on to graduate college with honors in chemistry and eventually become Florida’s first board-certified African-American pediatrician.

Dr. Simpson, 85, of Coconut Grove spoke at the third annual Alumni Day of G.W. Carver Middle School on Friday, Feb. 26, concluding Black History Month. “It is an honor to be here and I am proud to be honored by Carver,” said Dr. Simpson told the assembly of students and some 135 alumni.

She was inspired to stay focused by her grandfather, E.W.F. Stirrup Sr., a Coconut Grove pioneer with only a third-grade education.

“I tell the children, you have to do whatever you have to do to overcome obstacles to succeed and don’t let that prevent you from at least establishing your goals,” Dr. Simpson said later in an interview. “I’ve always had a very good feeling about Carver. I know it’s a magnet school and it still has a wonderful reputation. There have been excellent students coming from Carver from the beginning that have excelled in many areas.”

As a magnet school for international education Carver now draws students from around the county, but it first served African-American students from downtown Miami to Homestead as a high school from 1934 to 1966. The Dade County Training School opened in 1924 at the current location at 4901 Lincoln Dr. in Coral Gables, first with only an elementary school and junior high. With county desegregation it became what is now G.W. Carver Middle School.

Principal Libia Gonzalez recognized Dr. Simpson as the third honoree to be inducted into the school’s hall of fame, with the first being astronaut Capt. Winston Scott.

Representing the first graduating senior class of 1939 was Naomi McLeod Sharp. In an interview the 88-year-old Brownsville resident reminisced how pupils used to landscape the grounds and gather in the courtyard every morning to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and sing the national anthem. And “we had a lot of respect for our school teachers. They loved us like second parents. It was a foundation — between our school teachers and church family, it gave us strength and courage to stand up and try to be strong. With all our difficulties in personal life and the worldly problems, we still needed that inner strength.”

Other alumni speakers were 1943 grad Eloyce Clarke Jennings, 1955 grad Wallace Francis, 1961 grad Ernest Hart and soloist Patricia Hopper Garrett of the class of 1963. A G.W. Carver Elementary School chorus led Lift Every Voice and Sing. “With the foundation that we had (at Carver), the pressure was on us to continue in that tradition. We did well in sports and academics,” said Mr. Hart.

After the assembly guests reminisced over a luncheon including collard greens and string beans, corn bread, chicken and barbecue ribs.

Judith Jones Johnson of Coral Gables graduated in the last high school class of 1966. “We had caring teachers and they taught us everything they knew and they didn’t let people fall (by) the wayside.”

She experienced bittersweet emotions in visiting the thriving magnet. “Coming back to Carver is both joyous and sad. Sad because it’s no longer a community school and we don’t have any child from our neighborhood going to school here.”

Event coordinator and 19-year math teacher Warren Scippio said that the assembly was part of an effort to reconnect the school, designated a historic landmark by Coral Gables, with its heritage.

“The history of the school dates back to the foundation of Coral Gables. That’s what we don’t want to miss,” said Mr. Scippio. “Carver is now totally different, no longer a neighborhood school. It’s a total magnet school. We have students who come from all over the county. … The interaction of the school with the neighborhood, we’re trying to bring that back. It’s something that’s been lost. Events like this help to make the connection.”

Principal Gonzalez said many of its high school graduates have made notable contributions and can serve as role models for current students. “This is something I really look forward to every year. It’s a joy to have so many wonderful people who graduated from Carver who are still part of the community,” she said. “It always had a tradition of being an outstanding school.”

Onelia Collazo Mendive contributed to this report