Applied Arts department head George Clarke is retiring after 30 years of sharing his passion for working with his hands and brightening peoples’ days.

Clarke joined Algonquin in 1996 and became the Applied Arts department head in 2023. He has taught a variety of classes ranging from Video Production, Engineering Graphics and Engineering with Metals. Within those classes, students make documentaries, car parts, tables, sheds, solar cells and more. Amongst it all, Clarke loves connecting and collaborating with students in hands-on environments. 

“The real important thing to me is not the thing that the kids are making, but rather the connections I make with the kids,” Clarke said. “One of the most important things is the pride that I see in kids when they have created something that is pretty cool. That’s the win right there—that’s what I love. That’s what keeps me going.”

On his own time, Clarke has his own personal projects where he makes simple things, like modifying a pillowcase to better fit a strangely shaped pillow or editing brief videos. He also has more ambitious projects, like renovating his house. 

“With some help, I took off almost the entire second floor [of my house] and pushed out several walls,” Clarke said. “The only rooms that didn’t have a wall change was a bathroom and a closet. Every other room had at least one wall taken out. That was a big project.”

Before becoming a teacher, Clarke worked many different careers where he learned countless skills. 

“I worked for several years in a plastics factory building and repairing various tools and machines used in the factory,” Clarke said. “I learned plumbing, welding, tool and dye work and electrical work. I also worked in a small printing company for a while. I did a little bit of everything.”

Clarke also uses his knowledge to help others. For instance, he recently fixed a window screen for his brother, prepared a cooler on a stand for someone and is going to help mount Algonquin A’s that have been decorated by different clubs within the school. Fine and Performing Arts teacher Michelle Sheppard is Clarke’s long-time friend, and they often discuss their hobbies together.

“I always appreciate his insights on school, but also other things that can be anything from school to biking to life in general,” Sheppard said. “He’s just a wonderful, approachable, enjoyable person to have a conversation with.”

As department head, Clarke has many responsibilities including communicating information and representing the department and its needs for administration. 

Applied arts teacher and next year’s department head Kristine Norrman has known Clarke for nine years and is thankful for the leadership he has provided. 

“[Clarke] came in at the perfect time,” Norrman said. “There was a lot of stuff going on in our department, a lot of changes, and he was really good at helping everybody navigate those changes. He was just super helpful with everything.”

Sheppard appreciates Clarke for his support and impact on the department. 

“The well of support that he shows [people] is absolutely bottomless,” Sheppard said. “He has so many things that he juggles, like being the chair of a really diverse department. I don’t know how he found the time or energy, but it was really amazing.” 

Clarke is also beloved by his colleagues for his friendly personality. 

“Mr. Clarke is great,” Norrman said. “He is the most genuine, kindest person you’ll ever meet. He is super transparent and everyone’s biggest cheerleader; he’s a department champion.”

Clarke appreciates the people he has built relationships and worked with over the years as well. 

“There’s a lot of really good, kind, smart and hardworking people here that I’ve worked with for many years,” Clarke said.

Following his retirement, Clarke will have more time for his personal hobbies, such as riding his mountain bike and working on his projects. Currently, he is adding to his garden. He has built a raised bed, buried a fence around it and now needs to make a gate. He also plans on possibly working at Algonquin part-time.

“[After retiring,] I look forward to a little more flexibility in my time,” Clarke said. “A little less rigidity with our bell schedule.” 

Ultimately, Clarke feels grateful for the community he has built. 

“I’m going to miss the people,” Clarke said. “All the people, including the students; I really enjoyed getting to know all the different kids.”