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; an...
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