TRIBUTE TO THE FOUNDER 

                (Barbara Fleming)                    

To know Barbara Fleming is to know that children were her ministry. To this ministry, she devoted her life. For over 40 years, Barbara used her time to touch the lives of children across Marion & Alachua County, Florida. Through her tough love and no-nonsense attitude, she formed bonds that lasted a lifetime. So much so that many of her students quickly reminded her children, "She was mine before she was yours!"

She left her mark everywhere, from Hawthorne Elementary to Bellview to N. H. Jones, Evergreen, Howard Middle, Lakeweir Middle, and Barbara's Kitchen School of Excellence. She met lifelong friends who became like family and students who became like her own children.

Who doesn't remember her in the Christmas parade with her beloved step team marching down Silver Springs, chanting, "The Bull Train is slowly coming, and we keep on, doing what?....PUSHIN!" Her famous sayings, "I be do dern a bear," "I'm not in the entertainment business," and "I can't stay saved in this house!" "Y'all make somebody wanna cuss!" "I'mma hit you in the back of the top of your head!" "10 to the Yolk!" "Does it say Burger King outside this building? Then you can't have it your way." and so many more.

Barbara loved what she did and wouldn't have changed it for the world. As much as we all miss her, know that she loved you, and the best way to pay her back is to live a good life so you can see her again.

Principal: Omega Hagan

Contact: Omegahagan@gmail.com