Clarke Central High School principal Dr. Swade Huff notified faculty and staff via email earlier today that longtime former CCHS Director of Bands Dr. Robert Lawrence had died. Lawrence was on staff at CCHS from August 2009 until May 2019 and taught hundreds of students, including 2017 CCHS graduate Adrienne Lumpkin. “Dr. Lawrence was someone who was there for everyone. He’d bring you back to realization as lovingly as possible when he’d see you veering off the rails. He was a father figure to anyone who needed it, no matter the time he was there,” Lumpkin said. “You could’ve been his band kid, advisee or even a stranger. There’s no replacing such a strong personality and vibrant, kindhearted human being. All of my peers would agree when I say that we’ve lost a real-life hero today.” Photo by Elena Webber
A feature profile published in November 2011 by current Clarke Middle School faculty member Mollie Sherman and photographed by current filmmaker Carlo Nasisse.
Former CCHS Director of Bands Dr. Robert Lawrence smiles in the CCHS band room. Lawrence took part in many different events at CCHS during his time as the CCHS Director of Bands. Photos from the ODYSSEY Media Group archives
To read more about Lawrence’s years at CCHS, click here.