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Wednesday, June 10, 2009 1:00 PM Walking track honors late Lee Woodard principal By Stephanie Creech | Times Senior Writer BLACK CREEK -- A new walking track has been dedicated at Lee Woodard Elementary School in memory of one of its former principals, the late William Widmire Lewis. Lewis spent 34 years working as a teacher, coach, principal and school administrator. While Lewis went on to become the first principal of Beddingfield High School, he was also well known in the Black Creek community for his work in organizing a Boy Scout troop and recreation opportunities for children. Lewis was also a volunteer firefighter, a member of the Ruitan Club and an active member of Daniels Chapel Free Will Baptist Church. The track, which was completed in April, was a joint effort by area businesses. The school received a $5,000 grant from the Lowe's Toolbox for Education program. The remaining $2,000 was raised by the school's students or provided by local businesses. One of the ways students raised money for the project was by collecting box tops for the Box Tops for Education program. Students in the three classes that raised the most money participated in the dedication. Students in Christine Picciano's third grade class held a banner that said "Thank you for our walking track" and led the crowd in a lap around the track. Students in Valerie Lewis' fifth grade class and Natalie Sutton's fourth grade class helped cut the ribbon. Lee Woodard Principal Kelly Andrews said they have had students walk 50, 60 even 70 miles this year at school through the Making Tracks program offered in the district's elementary schools through Wilson Medical Center. Until the track was built, Lee Woodard students primarily walked around the gymnasium. Students came up with the name of the Panther Path for the track. The sign for the track encourages students to "Stride with Pride." Candy Minshew was one of the Black Creek residents who worked to have the track dedicated to Lewis' memory. Minshew said Lewis was a great man and she will never forget him. Minshew's memories of Lee Woodard school are forever tied to her memories of Lewis. She described Lewis as a principal who was devoted to the school and who was respected by all students. Minshew told Lewis' family members at the dedication that she knew Lewis was looking down from heaven with a smile on his face. Lewis died in July of 2008. Lewis' son, Jim Lewis, who serves as the transportation director for Wilson County Schools, provided some remembrances of his father. "He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need," he said. "We have heard so many of his former students say they would not have made it through school if not for Daddy's help and support. Young people were drawn to Daddy because they knew he really cared about them." creech@wilsontimes.com | 265-7822 |
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Smurfette said...
I feel privilaged to of had Mr. Lewis as my principal when I attended Lee Woodard High School. He was a role model for EVERYONE around him. God Bless you Mr. Lewis. And thank you for all you did for ME!
Saturday, June 13, 2009 at 4:53 PM
I feel privilaged to of had Mr. Lewis as my principal when I attended Lee Woodard High School. He was a role model for EVERYONE around him. God Bless you Mr. Lewis. And thank you for all you did for ME!
Saturday, June 13, 2009 at 4:53 PM
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