Leonard Forrest Vincent, a 37-year veteran of the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District recently died after several years of poor health.
Vincent was born on Sept. 15, 1933 in Hollywood to James and Senta Vincent.
After serving his country during the Korean War, Vincent pursued his career as a schoolteacher. He first attended Santa Monica College, and then received a bachelor’s degree from UCLA in 1960. He followed that with a master’s degree from USC in 1964.
Vincent received his first teaching assignment in 1960 at Juan Cabrillo Elementary School in Malibu. After six years there, he was hired as a U.S. Government teacher at Malibu Park Junior Middle School. During his 20 years of service at Malibu Park from 1966 to 1985, Vincent became known as an exceptionally passionate and caring teacher among his students, colleagues and the community.
Vincent transferred to Santa Monica High School in 1985, continuing his service as a U.S. Government teacher until 1992. On numerous occasions, Vincent was selected as Teacher of the Year, earning the honor for the final time in 1992. Vincent was also elected to the school’s Hall of Fame.
In 1995, Vincent returned to work at Malibu High School as a part-time teacher until his permanent retirement in 1997.
A memorial service will take place on March 21 at 2 p.m. at the Santa Monica High School Humanities Center, located at 601 Pico Blvd in Santa Monica.
A scholarship fund has been established in honor of Vincent. Contributions should be sent to the Leonard Vincent Scholarship Fund c/o SMMCTA at 1508 18th Street, Santa Monica, California, 90403.