It's not hard to tell when Wednesday rolls around in Karin Jones' classroom at Red Bluff Elementary. The smiles on the childrens' faces cannot hide that it is a special day.

It is the day "Mr. Clark" comes to visit.

As Hadley Clark pokes his head in the classroom, he is quickly greeted with hugs and handshakes from students. Then, he sits down with two or three students at a time and begins to lead them in either a math or reading lesson. Jones says, "the time he spends one-on-one with them makes a big difference in their school work and their lives."

The positive impact that Clark has made on Red Bluff students over the past eight years has earned him "hero" status - as one of the State Board of Education's Heroes for Children. Clark will be honored at a special ceremony on Sept. 19 in Austin.

"Students that Mr. Clark works with are touched in numerous ways by his kindness," Jones said. "He provides the small group interaction that so many students in schools today need and crave. He is always willing to help any child with any skill. He is so positive and reassuring that it helps the students to excel and achieve more."

Clark works with students in first through third grades in math and reading. The retired Brown and Root foreman said he has always enjoyed those two subjects and feels that the basic skills learned in these subjects are important for lifelong success.

"You never forget what you learned in math and reading in elementary school," Clark said. "I enjoy helping them and seeing their skills develop. It is such a joy to see a child's face light up when they master a concept in math or reading that had been difficult for them before. I really love seeing them as they grow in confidence."

And many of the students that Clark has mentored do not hesitate in showing their pride of their achievements.

"One summer, I went to my barber shop to get my hair cut and there was a former student that I tutored and his parents," he said. "The boy came over and grabbed my hand and took me to his parents. He told them that he wanted me to meet his parents and tell them how much I helped him in school. It was at that moment that I realized how much helping these kids means to them and how rewarding it is for me."

Red Bluff Principal Kathy McElman describes Clark as "an important member of our school family."

"The relationship he builds with the students motivates them to work hard in the classroom," she said. "He makes them feel special and serves as a positive role model for them. The children and our school staff look forward to his visits every Wednesday and Friday."

Clark cherishes his relationships with the students and the faculty, and says, "as long as I am able, I will continue to help these children in any way I can."