Published Tuesday, Nov. 16, 1999 Director Nick Morocco made a motion Monday night to rename the auditorium for Donald A. Bennett, a former teacher, coach, guidance counselor and principal in the district from 1948 to 1984.
"From my personal standpoint I'm willing to say people like Mr. Bennett come along once in a century," Morocco said, adding Bennett meant a great deal to many people and called him a "phenomenal person."
Donald Golub seconded the motion, but not everyone was ready to vote.
Director Dominick Russo said he did not have enough information to vote on something as permanent as renaming a structure. He said the idea was brought before the board several months ago, but he was under the impression the board would be given more information before voting. He said buildings are usually named after someone posthumously. Not everyone on the board went through Sharon schools and personally knew Bennett, Russo said.
Russo moved to table the vote. The board voted 4 to 4 not to rename the auditorium for now. Board President the Rev. Lora Adams-King said that does not mean the auditorium will never be named after Bennett.
Director Pamela Corini said she voted no because she too wants more information about Bennett. She said she also thinks it would be a good idea to hold off until the high school renovations are complete because the auditorium is included in the project.
"I, for one," Director Thomas Crawford said, "look at a figure such as Don Bennett ... as one of those people who has had an impact in my life."
Director Thomas Crawford said many people in the school were important, but Bennett was the most important. "His blood runs deep orange and black," Crawford said, adding he thinks it is important to recognize Bennett while he is still here.
