Clark Magnet Dedicates Memorial Wall, Plaques

Clark Magnet High School honored its past this week by dedicating a Memorial Wall to the school and its namesake, Anderson W. Clark.

The day of dedication was due primarily through the efforts Michael Worley, a high school senior with cerebral palsy. He researched the school’s Clark, the school’s namesake, Clark as part of his senior class project.

Anderson Clark well known in the Crescenta Valley area in the early 1900s. He was known as a selfless man who worked for the betterment of his community. The school opened as Clark Junior High in 1961 and was closed in 1983. It then reopened as a magnet school in 1998.

Worley, a Boy Scout, was also looking for a project for his Eagle Scout badge. A strong supporter of his school, Worley decided to combine his senior and Eagle projects into one. In addition to finding old plaques and preparing new ones, Worley, with the help of about 20 friends, spent several weekends laying a brick walkway that would lead to the Memorial Wall.

“It took about 30 hours of work,” Worley said.

“People we hardly know come up and tell us how impressed they are with Michael,” said his father, Terence, who said his son’s dedication to his school, his studies and his tenacious spirit of discovery was an inspiration to all around.

Glendale Unified School Board member Mary Boger said she was impressed with the wall.

“It’s just a great thing. It shows these kids that the things they do will have meaning,” Crescenta Valley Town Council member William Bodell said.

The memorial includes a plaque honoring former school board members, a restored school bell that was a gift from the Class of 2005 and a plaque found at the school dedicated to Clark graduates who died in World War II. It also included a plaque honoring Clark with a brief history of who he was and what he meant to the Crescenta Valley.

“It was a collaborative effort,” Clark Principal Doug Dall said.

The Crescenta Valley Historical Society’s Arthur Cobery and Mike Lawler along with Dall and Worley added research information on Clark for the plaque.

“It really gives the history of the school,” said Clark PTA Vice President Elizabeth Manasserian.

After the ceremony Worley talked to everyone involved as he gazed at the wall.

“I am very happy,” Worley said.

cyo-clark.0602.jpg-BPhotoInfoG31RHVJC20060602j06zvxncPhoto by Mary O’Keefe(LA)DEDICATION ? Michael Worley, center, poses in front of the wall with parents Michelle, right, and Terence.