Title
To honor and recognize the life and work of Dr. Thomas E. Simpson
Body
WHEREAS, Dr. Thomas E. Simpson was a star athlete at Central High School, Columbus Ohio where he competed in the city and state finals in cross country and the mile for three consecutive years; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Simpson earned a track scholarship as a member of the nationally recognized Central State University track team where he later earned an undergraduate degree; he subsequently earned a Master’s degree from Xavier University, in Cincinnati and a PhD in Education from The Ohio State University; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Simpson, affectionately called “Doc” after joining the staff of Columbus Public Schools dedicated a 35 year career to serving youth, fostering hope and encouraging students who had been counted out; and
WHEREAS, “Doc” developed a reputation for offering stern but caring words, giving dollars, helping with job searches, calling parents instead of ejecting students for disciplinary reasons, and advocating for youth; and
WHEREAS, “Doc” coached baseball, basketball, and track, and also served as a science teacher, probation hearing officer, vice principal and principal; and
WHEREAS, “Doc” impacted a multitude of lives - particularly teenagers encountering difficultly in their educational transition and challenges navigating life; and
WHEREAS, “Doc” often provided materials and counseling not only to his students but their parents as well - assisting a number of them with getting into college- the evidence of his work which can be seen throughout Columbus and Central Ohio today via the numerous teachers and leaders who continue his spirit of service; and
WHEREAS, “Doc” wasn’t afraid to confront the negative elements threatening the youth of the Near Eastside of Columbus - placing himself in the middle of the community - opening and operating “The Doc Store” in Mt. Vernon Plaza where he served as a “street counselor “ for a multitude of youth who lived in the area; and
WHEREAS, “Doc” is the proud parent of Markeeta and Timothy Simpson, the grandfather of three, a father figure to many of his students and a life time member of the Thursday Noon Luncheon Club at the Eldon and Elsie Ward YMCA; and
WHEREAS, “Doc” holds true to the premise that, “if all of his students where given the opportunity to excel in life that they in turn would extend the opportunity to others;” now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby recognize and honor the life and work of Dr. Thomas E. Simpson.