Students and dignitaries yesterday attended the renaming of Spice Valley Middle School to TN Tatem Middle School.

The ceremony began with acting principal Francine McMahon welcoming everyone to the event, which was attended by Mr. Tatem's family, Minister of Social Rehabilitation Dale Butler, former Premier Alex Scott and his wife Olga, Permanent Secretary for Education Ellen-Kate Horton and Government backbencher George Scott.

Thomas Neville Tatem, a Somerset resident, was best known as the deputy principal at Berkeley Institute and founding principal of Warwick Secondary School.

Reading from Mr. Tatum's biography, Dennis Saunders, president of the Parent Teacher Association, noted that Mr. Tatem was "giant in stature but kind and a gentleman who possessed a quiet but strong sense of humour".

Mr. Tatem's son, Albert Tatem, gave his thanks on behalf of his family. "As TN Tatem's first-born, I want to express the deep honour this symbol represents. Appreciating dad's legacy as one of the educational heroes is honourable by renaming the school.

"He was a fine educator and known as a firm disciplinarian, a man of conviction and passion. It's ironic having a school named after him because he was a humble man."

Minister of Education, Sport and Recreation Randy Horton said it was an honour for him to unveil the new name of the school because Mr. Tatem was one of his teachers.

"I am elated to be given the opportunity to lead in this celebration, as we forever attach a mark of distinction to the former Spice Valley Middle School by renaming it after a true giant in education, the late Thomas Neville Tatem, TNT, as so many of us fondly remember him."

Mr. Horton said the renaming was "a long time coming" and expressed his happiness that it finally happened.

"My own life and professional career have been influenced and shaped by Mr. Tatem in so many ways and I cannot think of a more fitting tribute that to have a leading educational institution bearing his name."

Mr. Horton, who would himself be principal at the Warwick Secondary in the 1980s, added: "Thomas Neville Tatem will be forever synonymous with the highest standards of teaching, the highest standards of character, the highest standards of service, the highest standards of discipline and the highest standards of scholarship."

After his speech, there was a performance by four liturgical dancers followed by a procession to the unveiling of the school's new banner led by a trumpeter playing "When the Saints Come Marching In".