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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

`Lean On Me’ Principal To Speak

From Staff Reports

Joe Clark, the former high school principal and educator depicted in the movie “Lean on Me,” will speak at Gonzaga University on Wednesday.

A former Army drill instructor, Clark is known for the disciplinary steps he took as the principal of Eastside High in Paterson, N.J. On his first day in September 1983, a stabbing took place at school. After two years of Clark’s leadership, Eastside High was declared a model school by New Jersey’s governor. President Reagan also named him a model educator.

His book, “Laying Down the Law,” explains his emphasis on discipline and his desire to challenge students and to confront those who misbehave.

Admission costs $2 for his 8 p.m. speech, “From Disgrace to Amazing Grace.”