Clarisse Mechanic Is Guest of Honor as Chase Elementary Recognizes Her Contributions

Kindergarten students at Chase Elementary sing a song to thank benefactor Clarisse Mechanic for the donation of playground equipment to the school.

It’s not often that an entire school turns out to thank a friend. But at Chase Elementary School, Clarisse Mechanic is no ordinary friend.

The school’s affection and appreciation for Mrs. Mechanic were in abundance on Nov. 23 as the entire student body, staff, and dignitaries including Baltimore County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Joe A. Hairston honored Mrs. Mechanic for her support and generosity. During an hourlong ceremony, they serenaded her, showered her with homemade gifts, and in the culminating activity, officially renamed the school’s media center after her.

The celebration was to thank the Baltimore philanthropist for her many gifts to the school over the years, from funding to upgrade school security systems to playground equipment to books for each of the school’s 335 students – twice!

BCPS Superintendent Dr. Joe A. Hairston (left) and Chase Principal Sharon Whitlock (center) present an award to school supporter Clarisse Mechanic (right).

“She’s been a steadfast friend to Chase Elementary School, and we have so appreciated her,” said Principal Sharon Whitlock. “Mrs. Mechanic, this day is for you.”

Baltimore County Public Schools has long benefited from scores of volunteers and friends of education. But a special relationship that grew through Mrs. Mechanic’s friendship with Chase school administrators resulted in the special ceremony on Nov. 22.

The longtime owner of the Morris Mechanic Theater in Baltimore, Mrs. Mechanic has been active with educational programs and initiatives throughout both the city and county school systems. Over the past eight years, Mrs. Whitlock estimated, Mrs. Mechanic has donated more than $20,000 to Chase. Her gifts have covered the costs for fans in classrooms and the gym, part of the Chase school sign, and field trips to see theater productions. She also has served as a mentor to female students in the school’s Chase Leadership group.

Excited Chase Elementary School students await the day’s guest of honor, Clarisse Mechanic.

In October, the Board of Education of Baltimore County approved renaming the school’s library after Mrs. Mechanic, which constituted an honor in itself – Board policy normally restricts naming parts of a school for a living person.

During the school-wide assembly, kindergarten students sang “Hurry, Hurry, Drive the Fire Truck” in honor of the playground fire engine donated by Mrs. Mechanic, while other students presented letters, banners, and noodle necklaces in recognition of the Italian restaurant meal donated to students and their families by Mrs. Mechanic.

BCPS Superintendent Dr. Joe A. Hairston (left) and Chase Principal Sharon Whitlock (center) present an award to school supporter Clarisse Mechanic (right).

For her part, Mrs. Mechanic thanked the school for the honor and urged children to stay focused on their school work. “I just hope you all will keep reading and do well,” she said to the children and staff there to applaud her.

Later, as students filed back to class to keep reading and doing well, she and other guests enjoyed refreshments in – where else? – the newly named Clarisse Mechanic Media Center.

Story and photos by Charles Herndon, Communications Specialist