Page 8 - Demo

Here’s
A glimpse into Edgewood’s early days
Story by Joseph Frey
Dr. David Bradford, a former Edgewood English teacher and currently a Barry University professor, started in 1997 when we were a junior high school (grades 7-9) but transitioning to a middle school. He described Edgewood as a “thuggish school” because of the poor conditions of the school and its lack of academic rigor. However, despite this negative reputation, Bradford, as well as brand new Principal Vernon Lloyd, aimed to improve the image of Edgewood and shape it to be a place of academic excellence. The school underwent many physical changes, such as maintenance and remodeling of buildings. Sidewalks were cleaned, landscaping improved, and classrooms were repainted. Lloyd also brought in new teachers.
“People started seeing a clean school,” Bradford said. The red and black paint that we see our school painted with today was done during this time to help create a sense of school
pride and identity.
As Edgewood began to
transform, it also began to recognize and honor our Indian mascot. The Indian mascot was painted in the front parking lot and became a symbol of
7
to the Past
I
n 1959, a gallon of gas cost a quarter, a loaf of bread was twenty cents, a new car was $2,200, and Edgewood was a brand new school for 7th- 9th graders. In the 60 years since, Edgewood has always aspired for excellence. The story of Edgewood and its progress to becoming a
prestigious School of Choice is one that is unlike any other in the United States. An extraordinary student body, an impassioned group of teachers, and a determination for learning, is what drives Edgewood to be the best.
1959
1998
2003
2007
distinction and excellence that separated Edgewood from other schools. On the 40th anniversary of Edgewood’s founding, Chiefs from the four main tribes of Florida were invited to the school to hold a celebratory Pow Wow. The tribes held this ceremony to acknowledge our mascot and to express their appreciation for our honoring of the Indians.
“They thought it was great that we were honoring their tribes...and that the teachers
Edgewood founded
First issue of The Edge released
Edgewood becomes a School of Choice
First senior class graduates