Lewes Elementary teachers honored at Cape school board meeting
Cape Henlopen School District officials recognized Lewes Elementary teacher Brennan Clarke and substitute Robert Perciful with Going the Extra Mile awards for December.
Clarke plays a pivotal role in the school's problem-solving team, said school board member Bill Collick. He takes the lead in facilitating professional learning communities for multi-language learner professional development, and he fosters a collaborative and growth-oriented environment.
“Moreover, Brennan serves as a Lighthouse coordinator for Leader in Me, exemplifying his passion for instilling leadership qualities in students,” Collick said. “His role as the head coach for Let Me Run demonstrates his commitment to holistic development, promoting physical fitness and mental well-being among male students.”
Clarke also organizes and presents informational nights designed to engage and support Hispanic families, an initiative that showcases his dedication to fostering inclusivity and building strong connections with all members of the school community, Collick said.
“We also must highlight Brennan's heroic act when he recently saved a student who was choking in the hallway,” Collick said. “His quick thinking and decisive action undoubtedly saved a life, reflecting not only his professionalism but also his genuine concern for the well-being of the students under his care.”
Robert Perciful is best known to students and staff as C.P., said board member Julie Derrick, who noted that Perciful also provides the school office with flowers throughout the year every week.
“He has been a substitute for Cape for the last seven years but has taught for a total of 40 years, spending 20 years as an elementary and high school special ed teacher, 13 years as a high school social studies teacher, and seven years as an instructor of U.S. history and political science at Del Tech,” Derrick said.
Additionally, she said, Perciful coached basketball for two years as an assistant coach, 10 years as a field hockey coach, 34 years as a cross country coach, and he is entering his 47th year as a track coach, with a total of 134 seasons and 10 state championships.
Perciful’s awards include the 1990 Henlopen Conference Boys' Track Coach of the Year and the 1991 State of Delaware Indoor Track Coach of the Year. In 2010, the Seaford School District created the Rob Perciful Excellence in Athletics and Academics Award, given annually to a female athlete who has participated in at least two sports annually throughout high school while maintaining a 3.5 GPA.
Also, in 2010, he was awarded the Delaware State University Women's Athletics Department Diamond Award honoring a lifetime commitment to excellence in women's athletics.
“In his words,” Derrick said, “‘I am pretty sure my last trip off the track will be in the horizontal position.’ We appreciate his positivity, dedication and willingness to serve the students at LES.”
