Sid Clark’s Impact Memorialized with Campus House Dedication
If you were a student at any point between 1958 and 1995, you likely learned about literature from Sidney C. Clark. For many students, however, Sid Clark was much more than just another English teacher.
John D. Wendler ’68 is one of those students who went from referring to Sid Clark as his teacher, to calling him a dear friend. Wendler decided he wanted to honor his friend’s legacy at the school while supporting a current fundraising priority, and the Alumni and Development Office was happy to help make that happen.
Thus, on Friday, October 27, dozens of school faculty and administrators, both past and present, gathered alongside students and Board members next to the house that Clark had lived in for decades. A small plaque was mounted on the exterior of the building. Although John’s generous gift names an existing structure, his donation will help with new facilities efforts as Avon prepares for the next century. The new plaque reads;
“The Sidney C. Clark House
Former Home of Avon’s Esteemed
English Department Chair
An inspiration, mentor, and friend to many Avon boys for 37 years.”
Following the unveiling of the plaque, Wendler addressed the crowd, saying he has many faculty members to credit for his successes in life, but none more than Sid Clark. “The biggest thing that stands out from my time here were the mentors and faculty I had here. There were a lot that influenced my life but Sid—even though he was short—stands taller than the rest.”
After graduating from Avon Old Farms, Wendler went on to major in English literature in college, something he attributes to Clark. “I really have Sid to thank for everything,” Wendler said, voice wavering.
Head of School Jim Detora P’12 spoke as well. “When I first started as a teacher here many years ago, Sid was someone who welcomed my wife, Karen, and I to the community here and made us feel comfortable. I know he had an impact on many others throughout his time here. It’s wonderful to be able to honor him in this way.”