By Karen Washburn

Correspondent

Olympic track gold medalist and Suffolkian LaTasha Colander Clark surprised two public school employees last week with the Salvation Army Suffolk Corps’ first America Rocks award.

America Rocks is a new Christian-based program sponsored by the Salvation Army designed to reach out into the community and recognize those who are making a difference in the lives of others, Clark said.

“We want to recognize ordinary people doing extraordinary things in the community to inspire others to do the same,” she continued.

The recipients were Theresa Beale, a guidance counselor at King’s Fork Middle School, and Gregory Rountree, athletic director at Lakeland High School. Both recipients were presented with a trophy and coupons from Chick-fil-A.

Beale received her award last Wednesday at a faculty meeting during “Happy Moments,” a time set aside during every meeting to highlight positive events of the week. The award was presented by Principal Jennifer Presson, with Clark, Salvation Army Capt. James Shiels, and the Harbour View Chick-fil-A cow looking on.

In nominating Beale, King’s Fork guidance director Sarah Catlett said she “embodies all that is good and honest about America.” Catlett continued that Beale has remained “dedicated to making sure the students and staff of KFMS have the necessary support needed to be successful” in the midst of personal challenges that have included a knee replacement and breast cancer surgery.

“She has a ‘Never Give Up’ attitude which she shares with students and parents daily,” Catlett wrote. “She encourages the downhearted, and cheers successes.”

Beale said she was “totally surprised,” and did not feel worthy of the honor.

“You don’t really feel like you’re making a difference, because it’s what you do every day,” she explained. “I try to make myself available, not only to the other guidance counselors, but also to the teachers and students. I do that extra little bit and try to do my best for everybody here at the school.”

Like Beale, Rountree was surprised by the award. “I’m kind of happy in a way, because we always tell the kids it’s what you do when no one’s looking that makes you successful,” he said. “When they told me I was getting this award, that’s the first thing that came into my mind.”

Clark presented Rountree’s award on Friday. Rountree, in his second year as Lakeland’s athletic director, said his focus in the role has been “development of the student athlete, (and) teaching them the rights and wrongs and what they need to do to be successful in life.”

“I’m appreciative of it,” Rountree said. “I’m just doing my job, and good things happen to those who work hard.”

Nominating Rountree, Carlos Hill said he has trained many Suffolk youth through the years, some of whom have gone on to “win championships in high school and college.”

According to Clark, nominees can be from any segment of the community. Further awards will be given until the end of the school year, based on the number of worthy nominations received and may be emailed to: nominate@lctwf.org. Include your nominee’s name, contributions, and your own contact information.

Clark, who won her 2000 Olympics gold in the 4×400-meter relay — among several career highlights — said that, like the Olympics, this award is about inspiring others through excellence.

“This award is about being the best that you can be, whatever your endeavor: the best teacher, best athletic director, best student, best student athlete, or best community representative,” Clark added. “We want to celebrate you for being the best that you can be and making a difference.”

— Staff Writer Matthew A. Ward contributed to this story.