Inspiration is contagious, and Greenville High School 1976 grad Tina Mason-Clark says GISD legend William Smith was the person who motivated her to pursue a career in education after many years in private business.

 

“Mr. William Smith was my High School Counselor, and he was the main reason I got and kept my Lifetime Teaching Certificate,” Mrs. Mason-Clark said. "That certification allowed me to work in education after many years with AT&T. I started with the phone company in an entry-level job, and rose to district manager, where I supervised over 4,000 people. So many of them were young people just out of high school, so it was an easy transition for me to come back to Greenville High School, where I have my roots, to help young people plan their future."  

 

Just as Mason-Clark climbed the ladder, so did William Smith, who served GISD for 35 years, five of them as superintendent.

 

"He believed in every one of us, and I thank him every day for the way he pushed me," she said. "He'd always say, 'You can do this.' "

 

As GHS's College and Career Advisor, Mason-Clark devotes her time to helping students find the right fit for college, military or career.

 

"It makes me so proud to see what our students go on to do," she said. "I love it when they come back and tell me about what they're doing in life."

 

Known for her contagious smile, it's no surprise that her classmates named her the Best All-Around, Most Friendly and Senior Class Favorite. She was a cheerleader, played on the basketball team and was a member of the student council, National Honor Society and a senior class officer. 

 

Congratulations, Mrs. Mason-Clarke! Thank you for paying it forward in such a meaningful way for our GHS students!

 

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