St. Francis Xavier School rededicates library

SIKESTON — Years ago, the library at St. Francis Xavier School in Sikeston was dedicated to Clay A. Mitchell. On Wednesday morning, members of Mitchell’s family and St. Francis Xavier students and staff were on hand for a rededication of the library.

Mike Tomaszewski introduced Mitchell to the students, explaining that he graduated from the Naval Academy in 1941 and served in World War II. After WWII, Mitchell was commander of a squadron in Florida and was killed in 1950 when the plane he was in collided with another.

“Your library was dedicated to him,” Tomaszewski told the students. “What we are doing today is rededicating that library to him so that we don’t forget what he did.”

Robert Mitchell speaks at St. Francis Xavier School during the school's library rededication Wednesday morning. The library is dedicated to Clay A. Mitchell, a graduate of the Naval Academy who flew in World War II and was killed during a flying accident in 1950. (David Jenkins/Standard Democrat)

Robert Mitchell speaks at St. Francis Xavier School during the school's library rededication Wednesday morning. The library is dedicated to Clay A. Mitchell, a graduate of the Naval Academy who flew in World War II and was killed during a flying accident in 1950. (David Jenkins/Standard Democrat)

Robert Mitchell, Clay Mitchell’s nephew, also talked to the students and was joined by his wife Kathy, his daughter Beth Johnson, cousin Terri Matthews, sister Sally Lape, and nephew Deke Lape.

Robert Mitchell explained he was three when his uncle died.

“It’s really kind of interesting,” Robert Mitchell said. “Here I am talking about somebody who was gone before I ever got a chance to know him.”

Students at St. Francis Xavier School listen during the school's library rededication Wednesday morning. The library is dedicated to Clay A. Mitchell, a graduate of the Naval Academy who flew in World War II and was killed during a flying accident in 1950. (David Jenkins/Standard Democrat)

Students at St. Francis Xavier School listen during the school's library rededication Wednesday morning. The library is dedicated to Clay A. Mitchell, a graduate of the Naval Academy who flew in World War II and was killed during a flying accident in 1950. (David Jenkins/Standard Democrat)

Robert Mitchell explained to the students about legacies. Not only did Mitchell’s uncle attend the Naval Academy, but so did other family members.

“Legacies are kind of special,” he said. “What can you say about someone giving their life protecting our country and providing us with the freedom we enjoy? We are proud we are his relatives. We are proud of his legacy, and we are proud of our relatives that went through the Naval Academy and went on to serve our country like a lot of your families.”

A plaque located next to the library door was then unveiled by St. Francis Xavier School Principal Barb Tomaszewski.

Students at St. Francis Xavier School listen during the school's library rededication Wednesday morning. The library is dedicated to Clay A. Mitchell, a graduate of the Naval Academy who flew in World War II and was killed during a flying accident in 1950. (David Jenkins/Standard Democrat)

Students at St. Francis Xavier School listen during the school's library rededication Wednesday morning. The library is dedicated to Clay A. Mitchell, a graduate of the Naval Academy who flew in World War II and was killed during a flying accident in 1950. (David Jenkins/Standard Democrat)