"If you're successful in the classroom, you'll be successful in life." These inspirational words were the guiding principles of Coach Clarke and the legacy he left to the students of Clark County School District.
To honor our father/husband, we decided the greatest tribute was to give back to students to continue their education. The money raised will ALL go directly to the selected students of Palo Verde High School who has demonstrated dedication to their sport, extracurricular activity or academics. The money is distributed through the Clark County Public Education Foundation through a dedicated scholarship account.
Coach Clarke graduated from San Jose State University with degrees in Physical Education and Special Education and came to Las Vegas in 1978. He taught at Biltmore Opportunity School, and coached at Brinley Middle School in the early 1980’s. He moved on to Western High School to teach and coach basketball and volleyball. Then Phil moved to Rancho High School and taught special education and coached basketball. In 1991 Phil opened Cheyenne High School where he taught and served as the first men’s’ basketball coach. Phil took his team to the state tournament in 1993. In 1996, Phil opened Palo Verde High School, becoming its first men’s’ basketball coach. He also coached volleyball and softball. Every July Phil coached Las Vegas all star teams and took his high school teams to tournaments. He loved coaching and worked so hard to reach his goal of a state championship.
His dream came true in February 2004 when he led a young Panther team to the state championship. Phil lost his battle with cancer less than a year later. Palo Verde High School honored Phil on December 2, 2005 by naming its gym floor Clarke Court. The Palo Verde basketball team strives to invoke Phil’s style of play. Palo Verde players are expected to play hard on the court as well as achieve academic excellence in the classroom. Phil’s legacy is evident in our coaches and in our community. Our current head basketball coach, Pat Condron, coached with Phil at Cheyenne HS. Phil’s oldest son, Phil Jr., is the head boys’ volleyball coach and the head girls’ volleyball coach. Teaching and coaching were Phil’s passion. He was a role model, teacher and friend who made a difference and touched the lives of hundreds of kids!
Scholarships generally equal $1,500 per student and the number of scholarships is determined by the amount of money raised each year. Normally funds are raised through The Hope Game, a basketball game to honor Coach Clarke, his principles and to raise money for the scholarship. Additionally, t-shirts are sold each year to benefit the scholarship. With hybrid learning and the cancellation of school sports, we are hoping for the generosity of friends and strangers to continue this amazing tradition and assist students in furthering their education.
To honor our father/husband, we decided the greatest tribute was to give back to students to continue their education. The money raised will ALL go directly to the selected students of Palo Verde High School who has demonstrated dedication to their sport, extracurricular activity or academics. The money is distributed through the Clark County Public Education Foundation through a dedicated scholarship account.
Coach Clarke graduated from San Jose State University with degrees in Physical Education and Special Education and came to Las Vegas in 1978. He taught at Biltmore Opportunity School, and coached at Brinley Middle School in the early 1980’s. He moved on to Western High School to teach and coach basketball and volleyball. Then Phil moved to Rancho High School and taught special education and coached basketball. In 1991 Phil opened Cheyenne High School where he taught and served as the first men’s’ basketball coach. Phil took his team to the state tournament in 1993. In 1996, Phil opened Palo Verde High School, becoming its first men’s’ basketball coach. He also coached volleyball and softball. Every July Phil coached Las Vegas all star teams and took his high school teams to tournaments. He loved coaching and worked so hard to reach his goal of a state championship.
His dream came true in February 2004 when he led a young Panther team to the state championship. Phil lost his battle with cancer less than a year later. Palo Verde High School honored Phil on December 2, 2005 by naming its gym floor Clarke Court. The Palo Verde basketball team strives to invoke Phil’s style of play. Palo Verde players are expected to play hard on the court as well as achieve academic excellence in the classroom. Phil’s legacy is evident in our coaches and in our community. Our current head basketball coach, Pat Condron, coached with Phil at Cheyenne HS. Phil’s oldest son, Phil Jr., is the head boys’ volleyball coach and the head girls’ volleyball coach. Teaching and coaching were Phil’s passion. He was a role model, teacher and friend who made a difference and touched the lives of hundreds of kids!
Scholarships generally equal $1,500 per student and the number of scholarships is determined by the amount of money raised each year. Normally funds are raised through The Hope Game, a basketball game to honor Coach Clarke, his principles and to raise money for the scholarship. Additionally, t-shirts are sold each year to benefit the scholarship. With hybrid learning and the cancellation of school sports, we are hoping for the generosity of friends and strangers to continue this amazing tradition and assist students in furthering their education.
Co-organizers (3)
Phil Clarke
Organizer
Las Vegas, NV
Michal Clarke
Co-organizer
Diana Clarke
Co-organizer