CELEBRATIONS
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a mortgage broker in West Palm Beach; Anthony works for
AT&T in Melbourne, and Jackie operated a school that helped
dropouts find jobs.
“We’re so proud of them,” Joe said. ”Without integration, it
probably would not have happened. Things have changed so
that now you have scholarships and college loans that were
not in existence at the time. God has been good to us.”
Jennifer, who graduated from Vero Beach High School in
1987, said her father always stressed the importance of getting
a quality education.
“By filing the suit, he definitely changed life for minorities,
not just African-Americans,” she said.
Two retired educators described Idlette Jr. as soft spoken
and intelligent.
“He was concerned about children, his own and others,”
said Harriett Crago, a former English teacher at Vero Beach
High School and guidance counselor at the high school and
junior high. “He was a leader when leadership was needed.”
Harry Hurst, retired director of exceptional child services,
said Idlette Jr. “always thought before he spoke,” and was
hard-working and highly respected.
“It took a great deal of courage for him to do what he did,”
Hurst said.
IDLETTE FAMILY
Idlette Jr. was president of the Florida School Boards Association when he
met with Rep. Tom Lewis (R-Palm Beach Gardens) in Washington, D.C.
He was a leader when
leadership was needed. ‘‘ ‘‘ — Harriett Crago
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