On September 30, 1960, our school was dedicated in memory of a well-known educator, the late Mr. James S. Rickards.
Mr. Rickards was a teacher, principal, county superintendent, college teacher, and Secretary of the Florida Education Association. He was active in civic affairs and many governors sought his advice.
He spent thirty-seven years serving education in Florida. Realizing that the quality of the state's universities could be no better than its public schools, he traveled to all parts of the state working with school people, legislators, and lay citizens in a program which would be acceptable to all and advance the cause of education. Because of his efforts in working with the legislature, many laws which helped Florida build a better school system were enacted.
His one great concern was that the children of Florida should have an opportunity to receive an adequate public school education. Mr. Rickards brought the first Seminole Indian into the public schools in Broward County and encouraged other Indians to participate. He also established the very first junior high school in the state of Florida.
We are proud to have our school named for him and to dedicate our first yearbook to his memory.
Source: 1964 Anumpa yearbook, p. 2.