In a salute to the visionary principal who forged Clearwater Middle School into an institution, the school has named its media and resource centre in honour of Dr Charlotte Ming.

A mural of the late educator, who died in 2013, was created by Chewstick artists with art teacher Angela Ming-Bean. Yesterday as the school closed its academic year, it was left with a lasting tribute to the principal appointed when Clearwater became a middle school, selecting its teachers and making Clearwater the envy of many.

“She was the first to take it over,” her husband, Fred Ming, told The Royal Gazette, recalling how Dr Ming took charge at what had formerly been the Roger B Chaffee School on the old US Base.

Part of the envy was that it was the only school with air conditioning, Mr Ming added — and Clearwater inherited the eagle symbol that remains a school motto.

“Apart from being a good leader she had a spiritual desire coming from her Christian upbringing,” said Mr Ming, a chef who like everyone else in the family was drawn into the calling of teaching.

The dedication took place at a ribbon-cutting ceremony and her children, Dellwood teacher Tamara Adderley with educators Robert and Shawn Ming, donated $25,000 for the school.

“Being the first principal, she got to make her impression,” Ms Adderley said. “She told her students they were the first on the Island to wear the blue shirts and said, ‘Everywhere you go, you’re representing me’. She was a strict educator who got along with everyone but didn’t take any nonsense. She was authoritarian, but the children knew she had their best interests at heart. She was the same at home — a strong Christian woman, strong in her beliefs. She inspired me and my brothers to go into the field.”

The rededication was a touching gesture for the family.

Ms Adderley said: “The Chewstick mural is amazing — I love it. It’s something she would have loved. The money we gave was something to give back to honour the memory of our mom. It’s primarily for books but also for other means, to help it flourish.”

Robert Ming recalled himself as “a bad student — I drove my mother crazy”. Dr Ming expressed surprise when he and his wife ended up founding preschools in New York City. Mr Ming said she had inspired him in spite of his struggles all through school.

“I was so glad I went to the dedication — I learnt a lot about her,” Mr Ming said. “One thing I thought was great was when she got her PhD — she must have been in her late 50s. She told me, ‘I was a farm girl, brought up one of 11. I want to show everyone they can do this’.”