MADISON, Ala. (WHNT) — We’ve all had that one teacher or mentor who has left a large impact on us, and for many at Bob Jones High School, that is Chief Ellis Clark.
Clark wears a lot of hats. He’s a retired chief master sergeant with the United States Air Force, an aerospace science instructor, and leads JROTC for Bob Jones High School.
“This is actually an elective…. It’s one of the best-kept secrets here at Bob Jones High School,” Clark said.
He was in the military for 30 years and stationed across the country.
Although his teaching experience actually started during his time in the service.
“I’ve always enjoyed teaching, that’s one of the things that I did while I was in the military,” he said. “I was an instructor for approximately 12 years, and then, when I transitioned out, when I was looking for something to do, I did get a call from Lieutenant Colonel Randy Hurd, who was here at the school. Once I took a walk around and he explained the program and what all it entailed, I just immediately fell in love with it.”
His JROTC class includes archery, drill, color guard, education and even comes with some perks.
“Once they’re here for at least three of our courses, then it really enhances what they receive when they enlist in the military, so instead of going in as an E1, they go in as an E3,” Clark said.
He said it’s pretty popular among students at the school as well.
“Some come in for the first time, they say that they just want to try it, and after they try it for the first time, it’s like, we just can’t get rid of them,” he said. “They’re here for four straight years.”
Although it’s time for him to retire, Clark said he’ll never forget the impression his students left on him.
“They mean a lot… they mean a lot,” he said. “There’s so many whose names rest on my heart and in my mind that with every four years.”
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