She's A Grand Ol' Southern Belle an Ode to "Beulah Beal"

She stands proud and tall as she always has, constructed with love of mortar and brick she now celebrates her 100th year,  and yet she still remains a Grand Ol' Southern Belle. She was constructed in 1911 and labeled "PS #11", the eleventh Public School constructed within the City of Jacksonville, Florida. Upon her Grand Opening she was christened with the name of "West Springfield Elementary". In the short time span from 1911 to 1920 she had made her mark on the community and was renamed "Beulah Beal Elementary", respectfully named after her first Principal, Beulah Beal and a name which suited her so much better than "PS #11" or "West Springfield Elementary". Yes she stands proud and tall and has witnessed many changes throughout her lifetime of caring for the students and families that have passed through her doorways.

She has witnessed segregation and with just one glance down her hallways she tells you the story of segregation between the whites and blacks in the South. Her separate water fountains and restrooms remained in service for over sixty years with the plagues that said "Whites Only" or "Negroes Only", truly a sad part of her history for she viewed all students equally.
She watched helplessly as the "Great Depression" affected the students that she cared so deeply for, for it was the children that brought life to her. She survived the "Fifties" with Bobbi Socks, Poodle Skirts, and Sock Hops in her Auditorium. Again she stood strong through the "Sixties" and she survived the riots of the "Seventies". During the "80's" her brick and mortar walls became a school for "Unwed Mothers" as a "Young Parents Center", and I know that she shed tears over this transformation which shook her to her foundation. Yes, she has seen many changes in her 100 years of serving the community of "Springfield" that came to love her. Today as she stands proud and tall she graciously undergoes yet another transformation being equipped with technology for the 21st Century, complete with WiFi and Computer Labs.

On her 100th Birthday I extend my sincere "Thank You" to this Grand Ol Southern Belle "Beulah Beal Elementary". In 1962,  she welcomed me with open arms and nurtured me. Within her classrooms she taught me to "Pray" at the beginning of every day and to say the "Pledge of Allegiance" to our Country. Within her walls, on her steps, and on her playground I was taught the importance of Friendship, Respect, Fairness, Patience, Tolerance, Honesty, Values,  and I learned. "Beulah Beal Elementary" helped me to grow into the educated  adult that stands proud and tall before you today.

Long may you stand tall and proud and serve the community of Springfield Beulah Beal Elementary School!