BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

After graduating in 1960, a young man enrolled in an institution of higher learning to continue his education. Now, after more than 40 years as a Hillsborough County educator, he has decided to close this chapter of his life.

Hildreth Fleming graduated from Howard W. Blake High School in 1960 and enrolled at Florida A & M University. Four years later, he earned his B. A. Degree in Social Studies.

Fleming returned home and obtained employment with the United States Customs Department. He later followed his heart and joined the Hillsborough County School District.

His first assignment was at Just Elementary School, where he completed his first year. The next year, he was assigned to Franklin Middle Magnet School.

During his 42-year tenure, Fleming has witnessed the school evolve from segregation to integration. Next year, it will evolve again to an all male academy. He is retiring as the Student Intervention Specialist.

During his tenure, Fleming [private]has worked under the supervision of Hillsborough County School District Superintendents and 14 principals.

He shares a belief that the late Rev. Abraham Brown shared with him that remained throughout his career.

“Rev. Brown said, ‘teaching will become more effective when we begin teaching the students and not the mandated programs.’ I believe that because you can’t teach a child advanced Mathematics if he can’t add,” he said.

Of his retirement, Fleming said, “I decided that I have had an excellent career and now is the time. I want to spend more time with my ailing mother. I love kids and I will still be working with my church and with community programs.

“I was able to help kids and I see some of them today who come up to me and say that I have helped them. This was the same concern that was given to me by concerned teachers at Blake High School.

Fleming credits the mentoring programs of the 34th Street Church of God, the George Edgecomb Bar Association, the program of Dr. Pat Hauser, and the implementation of the Golf Program at the school with helping the school reach success.

However, he views success as a two-sided coin. “An All Boys Academy has its benefits, if it is going to remain a true Magnet School such as Young and Williams. But it won’t be successful if it is going to be a magnet school in name only.

“The community has to become involved if Franklin is going to continue to be successful and the school cannot be isolated. It must reach out to the community.”

A member of Beulah I. B. Church, Fleming works with youngsters through the church’s mentoring program as well as with the George Edgecomb Bar Association Mentor Group.

A Tampa native, he is the son of Mr. and Mrs. F. T. (Eunice) Floyd. Fleming is married to Mrs. Queen Mock-Fleming, the father of 5 adult children and grandfather of 7. His hobbies include music, cars, and the Arts.

Fleming will be the guest of honor at a retirement celebration at Franklin Middle Magnet School at 2 p.m., on January 26th.[/private]