Carol Duckett, 72, highly praised innovative school principal

BACK IN 1996, when there was concern in the city over violence in the classroom and the general failure of schools to interest and teach their students, Carol Duckett stood out.

She was the principal of the Guion S. Bluford School at 58th and Media streets, and she was praised for creating "an exciting community school," in the words of then-City Councilwoman Happy Fernandez.

Writing in the Daily News, Fernandez said the Bluford School reflected the innovative programs of then-Schools Superintendent David Hornbeck.

Hornbeck called his initiative "Children's Achieving Challenge," and Fernandez and other educators said Carol Duckett was carrying out what Hornbeck was trying to do.

Fernandez wrote that Carol Duckett "has created an exciting community school, enlisting the help and support of staff and neighborhood residents to assist in maintaining order while fostering a nurturing environment."

Carol Duckett, who died Monday at the age of 72, also succeeded in getting the men of the community involved in the school.

The "Men of Bluford," as they were known, volunteered their time to establish a "safe corridor" program, while mentoring and tutoring students, as well as taking active roles in playground supervision and other tasks.

"The children of the school know to look for and respect the 16 'Men of Bluford,' " Fernandez wrote.

Carol's time at Bluford capped a 30-year career in education that included teaching at a number of public schools before moving into administration. She was house director at the Ada Lewis Middle School before being named principal of Bluford.

Carol, who lived most of her life in Mount Airy, was living in Brooksville, Fla., with her niece, Nettie Newby, when she died of natural causes after a brief illness.

Carol was a devoted churchwoman, world traveler, a champion bowler, music lover and sports fan. "Boy, did she love the Eagles," her family said.

In 1988, Carol married Joseph W. Duckett, a U.S. State Department expert on Asia and the Middle East, who later became a teacher and administrator in Philadelphia public schools.

He had the distinction of being one of the first African-Americans to play basketball for Overbrook High School, which would later be dominated by Wilt Chamberlain and other black athletes.

At the time of his death in 1998, Carol said of him: "My husband was something else. We're talking scholar-athlete here."

Carol Juanita was born in Philadelphia to James and Emma Allford. She graduated from the Philadelphia High School for Girls and went on to Penn State University where she earned a bachelor's degree in education. She later received a master's degree in education from Arcadia University.

She was an active member of the Epsilon Gamma Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, where she participated in the scholarship program. She also was a member of the teachers' sorority Phi Delta Kappa.

Carol was a longtime member of Mount Carmel Baptist Church, until the trip to West Philadelphia proved too much for her and she joined Bethel Deliverance International Church in Mount Airy. She participated in the Community Outreach Ministry.

As a bowler, Carol reaped a shelf-full of trophies and was in the School Employee League at the Adams Lanes.

She and her husband traveled widely. They especially enjoyed visiting Aruba in the Caribbean, and in the United States, Las Vegas was a favorite destination. When she retired from the school district, she and her husband celebrated with a trip around the world.

Carol's music tastes were eclectic, ranging from the work of classical tenor Andrea Bocelli to jazz singer Nancy Wilson to gospel musician Kirk Franklin.

"She leaves behind memories of a beautiful life and a legacy of unconditional love," her family said.

She is survived by stepdaughters Cathy Cole and Josey Duckett; a foster brother, Theodore Allford; and a granddaughter, Lauren.

Services: 11 a.m. Wednesday at Mount Carmel Baptist Church, 5732 Race St. Friends may call at 9 a.m. Burial will be at Ivy Hill Cemetery.