Howard Family

Clifford Howard was born in Darlington, Wisconsin and graduated from Darlington High School. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps, reporting to Fort Sheridan in Glenview, Illinois. Following his training, Cliff was deployed to England, where he served as a waist gunner on a B-24 Liberator stationed at Wendling Air Base. During World War II, he completed 12 successful bombing missions over Germany.

After returning to the United States, Cliff pursued his passion for education by enrolling at Platteville State Teachers College. There he met and married the love of his life, Jean. Together Cliff and Jean returned to Darlington to begin their life and careers.

Cliff’s first position was as the teacher and administrator of a one-room schoolhouse near Mineral Point. Throughout his 35-year career in education, he served students and communities in six schools across four Wisconsin school districts. His dedication to learning, leadership, and service culminated in his retirement in 1985 as an elementary school principal in the Madison Metropolitan School District.

Cliff’s life was defined by service—to his country during World War II and to generations of students throughout his distinguished career as an educator. His legacy continues through this scholarship, which reflects his enduring belief in the transformative power of education and the importance of investing in future generations.