<\/p>\n
Retired Coral Park Elementary School teacher Philip Spevak wrote his first children\u2019s book at age 95.<\/p>\n
Courtesy of Philip Spevak<\/p>\n
At 95, Philip Spevak just published his debut children\u2019s book, \u201cPheepser\u2019s Sunfish Shenanigan,\u201d a mostly true story about an event that took place in his classroom at Coral Park Elementary School in the 1970s.<\/p>\n
He is hoping the interactive rhyming picture book will remind readers that \u201cthe best endings are the ones we create together.\u201d<\/p>\n
Born in Newark, New Jersey, during the Great Depression, Spevak grew up in Syracuse, New York. He studied at Syracuse University for a double major in biology and chemistry and earned his bachelor\u2019s degree. He later earned his master\u2019s degree in supervision and administration at Nova Southeastern University in Broward County.<\/p>\n
For 70 years, he has made his home in Miami. He was married to Miami native Rosalyn Frank Spevak for 60 years. Widowed for 11 years, Spevak now lives with his two daughters, Marcia and Janice, in Kendall.<\/p>\n
And for 23 years, Spevak taught the core curriculum to fifth- and sixth-grade students at Coral Park Elementary. Before that, he taught 10 years at North Miami Elementary and Natural Bridge Elementary.<\/p>\n
He also directed the production of many Shakespearean plays. The Miami Herald wrote about a mural he and students created in 1991.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a realization of an experience while teaching at Coral Park Elementary, which remained in my thoughts for over 45 years,\u201d Spevak said. \u201cAnd after publication of the book, I have reconnected with former students, a few that are now teachers at Coral Park and others who have contacted me and told me how I influenced their lives. Seldom does a teacher realize his\/her influence on the pupils he has taught. At almost 96 years old, it was very gratifying.\u201d<\/p>\n
After he was featured on the school\u2019s Facebook page and on the Facebook group of Coral Park Elementary, many of his former students reached out, overwhelming him with emotion when they recounted their memories of being in his classroom and class plays. For many, the Shakespearean plays were the highlight of their elementary school years.<\/p>\n
Many have purchased Spevak\u2019s children\u2019s book to read to their grandchildren. The teachers and former students are even attempting to locate the protagonist of the book, \u201cJimmy,\u201d who attended Coral Park Elementary in the 1970s.<\/p>\n
Spevak is also a poet and songwriter, and he has two singles on streaming platforms \u2014 \u201cIn the Middle of a Kiss\u201d and \u201cI Remember July.\u201d His poetic reflections revolve around the \u201cWe Have Only Come to Dream\u201d album by musicians-composers Terry Lee Nichols and Rebekah Eden, and Nichols\u2019 album \u201cLove Is.\u201d<\/p>\n
Spevak said his book is being used by a hospital volunteer as a story to read to children in comas.<\/p>\n
\u201cI intend to offer it gratis, to other hospitals that may find it useful,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Spevak will be on a Zoom call from 3 to 4:30 p.m. April 19, organized by journalist Jill Beach, for his former students and faculty at Coral Park Elementary in the \u201860s, \u201870s and \u201880s. He will present a new song at the event. To attend, email Marcia Spevak at msb7155@yahoo.com who will share the link.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt long last, it is a privilege to hear I made a difference in the lives of many former students,\u201d he said. \u201cIf not for the publication of my book, I would never have been aware that I was a positive influence on their lives.\u201d<\/p>\n
CHILDREN\u2019S TRUST HONORS CHAMPIONS The Children\u2019s Trust Champions for Children 2026 honorees were celebrated at sold-out awards ceremony. Courtesy of The Children\u2019s Trust <\/p>\n
This week marked the 20th year of the \u201cChampions for Children\u201d awards ceremony hosted by The Children\u2019s Trust.<\/p>\n
The event recognizes exceptional individuals and programs dedicated to improving the lives of children and families. It was sold out with more than 800 in attendance including The Children\u2019s Trust President & CEO James R. Haj, and Founding Board Chair David Lawrence Jr.<\/p>\n
Advocates, educators, and youth leaders who were honored for their transformative work include: Gepsie Metellus, co-founder of Sant La, recipient of the David Lawrence Jr. Champion for Children Award; State Sen. Alexis Calatayud, recipient of the Excellence in Advocacy Award; Twala Kelly, social worker at University of Miami School Health Initiative, recipient of the Excellence in Direct Service Award; Andrea Cabrera-Elguezabal, recipient of the Excellence in Youth Leadership Award; Families First – UHealth Mailman Center for Child Development, recipient of the Program of the Year Award; Little SEALS Program – UM Linda Ray Intervention Center, recipient of the Program of the Year Award; and The Children\u2019s Trust Parent Club – Florida International University Center for Children and Families, recipient of the Program of the Year Award.<\/p>\n