Lake City High Principal Deanne Clifford reflects on 30 years in education

Lake City High Principal Deanne Clifford reflects on 30 years in education

In a 30-year career filled with profound joy, sadness, challenges and successes, Deanne Clifford pinpointed one moment that outshined the rest: 2011 graduation. She was sitting on the stage before the begowned graduates preparing for her next emcee task when the valedictorian, Mark Smyly, asked her up to the lectern to present her with gift. “This plaque right here is the epitome of just what a first-year principal would want,” Clifford said May 9 during an interview in her office, taking down a gleaming plaque from her wall. The plaque is engraved with the appreciation the Class of 2011 felt for their principal for her leadership, expertise and dedication in making their school so successful. "I was in awe of the room, in awe of the students," she said. "We had prepared so much for graduation, and I was just overwhelmed with emotion. And then to be celebrated, it was the epitome of my career. And I’ve had some incredible moments. This was something that I’ll never, never forget."