C5.02 - Approve the Naming of Leto A.P. Comprehensive High School Football Field (School Board Member Cindy Stuart)

The students, staff, faculty, and supporting community of Leto A.P. Comprehensive High School respectfully recommend that the Leto football field be named after the late Mr. Patrick Kronk, social studies teacher and football coach.  A petition with more than 900 signatures was presented to the school administration in favor of this recommendation.

Early in his second year of teaching, when called upon to serve as Head Football Coach, he accepted without hesitation and immediately won the hearts and minds of every player on the team.  He shifted the culture of the school’s football program in a single semester.  Committed to improving students’ lives, both on the field and off, Coach Patrick Kronk taught the Falcon football players that with purposeful practice and hard work, success would follow.  The attitudes and spirits of students were uplifted, and the team that took to the field in the last half of the season was newly energized with strength and belief in themselves.  

Unfortunately, on February 16, 2020, just a few months after the season ended, Coach Patrick Kronk unexpectedly passed away.  His death came as a complete shock to the school community, to his family and to his friends.  All who knew him were honored to have worked with a caring, dedicated educator, and would like to honor him by commemorating his death with this dedication. 

Moved by Mr. Kronk’s kindness, empowered by his ability to create leaders out of students who often struggle, and proud of the accomplishments he led his students and athletes to achieve in a short time, the Leto family believes that naming the football field after Mr. Kronk will not only celebrate him, but more importantly, will honor his contributions.  His guidance and support made a significant impact on Leto High School, the School District of Hillsborough County, and the Town and Country community. 

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The Leto A.P. Comprehensive High School football stadium will be named after Patrick Kronk.  A formal dedication ceremony will be held at a later date, after social distancing restrictions are lifted.

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That the Hillsborough County School District approve the naming of the football field at Leto A.P. Comprehensive High School in memory of Mr. Patrick Kronk.

Marcos Murillo, Area Superintendent, Area 2, marcos.murillo@sdhc.k12.fl.us, (813) 631-4050

The approval of this request has no direct financial impact.  Costs associated with signage and other football related materials will be funded from the athletic booster club budget.