Miami teacher writes his first children’s book at age 95, and old students react

At 95, Philip Spevak just published his debut children’s book, “Pheepser’s Sunfish Shenanigan,” a mostly true story about an event that took place in his classroom at Coral Park Elementary School in the 1970s.

He is hoping the interactive rhyming picture book will remind readers that “the best endings are the ones we create together.”

Born in Newark, New Jersey, during the Great Depression, Spevak grew up in Syracuse, New York. He studied at Syracuse University for a double major in biology and chemistry and earned his bachelor’s degree. He later earned his master’s degree in supervision and administration at Nova Southeastern University in Broward County.

For 70 years, he has made his home in Miami. He was married to Miami native Rosalyn Frank Spevak for 60 years. Widowed for 11 years, Spevak now lives with his two daughters, Marcia and Janice, in Kendall.

And for 23 years, Spevak taught the core curriculum to fifth- and sixth-grade students at Coral Park Elementary. Before that, he taught 10 years at North Miami Elementary and Natural Bridge Elementary.

He also directed the production of many Shakespearean plays. The Miami Herald wrote about a mural he and students created in 1991.

“It was a realization of an experience while teaching at Coral Park Elementary, which remained in my thoughts for over 45 years,” Spevak said. “And after publication of the book, I have reconnected with former students, a few that are now teachers at Coral Park and others who have contacted me and told me how I influenced their lives. Seldom does a teacher realize his/her influence on the pupils he has taught. At almost 96 years old, it was very gratifying.”

After he was featured on the school’s Facebook page and on the Facebook group of Coral Park Elementary, many of his former students reached out, overwhelming him with emotion when they recounted their memories of being in his classroom and class plays. For many, the Shakespearean plays were the highlight of their elementary school years.

Many have purchased Spevak’s children’s book to read to their grandchildren. The teachers and former students are even attempting to locate the protagonist of the book, “Jimmy,” who attended Coral Park Elementary in the 1970s.

Spevak is also a poet and songwriter, and he has two singles on streaming platforms — “In the Middle of a Kiss” and “I Remember July.” His poetic reflections revolve around the “We Have Only Come to Dream” album by musicians-composers Terry Lee Nichols and Rebekah Eden, and Nichols’ album “Love Is.”

Spevak said his book is being used by a hospital volunteer as a story to read to children in comas.

“I intend to offer it gratis, to other hospitals that may find it useful,” he said.

Spevak will be on a Zoom call from 3 to 4:30 p.m. April 19, organized by journalist Jill Beach, for his former students and faculty at Coral Park Elementary in the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. He will present a new song at the event. To attend, email Marcia Spevak at msb7155@yahoo.com who will share the link.

“At long last, it is a privilege to hear I made a difference in the lives of many former students,” he said. “If not for the publication of my book, I would never have been aware that I was a positive influence on their lives.”

CHILDREN’S TRUST HONORS CHAMPIONS

This week marked the 20th year of the “Champions for Children” awards ceremony hosted by The Children’s Trust.

The event recognizes exceptional individuals and programs dedicated to improving the lives of children and families. It was sold out with more than 800 in attendance including The Children’s Trust President & CEO James R. Haj, and Founding Board Chair David Lawrence Jr.

Advocates, educators, and youth leaders who were honored for their transformative work include: Gepsie Metellus, co-founder of Sant La, recipient of the David Lawrence Jr. Champion for Children Award; State Sen. Alexis Calatayud, recipient of the Excellence in Advocacy Award; Twala Kelly, social worker at University of Miami School Health Initiative, recipient of the Excellence in Direct Service Award; Andrea Cabrera-Elguezabal, recipient of the Excellence in Youth Leadership Award; Families First - UHealth Mailman Center for Child Development, recipient of the Program of the Year Award; Little SEALS Program - UM Linda Ray Intervention Center, recipient of the Program of the Year Award; and The Children’s Trust Parent Club - Florida International University Center for Children and Families, recipient of the Program of the Year Award.

You can learn more at thechildrenstrust.org

NEW ‘BE A CHAMPION’ GALA IS MAY 2

Five community leaders will be honored next month when the Children’s Home Society of Florida hosts its inaugural “Be a Champion” awards gala at the Biltmore Hotel. The event will bring together many in Miami-Dade County who are committed to improving the lives of children and families.

This event will recognize the success of a mini soccer pitch built in 2025 at the Hands In Action location. The collaborative project is now bringing together community youth for exercise, leadership training, team building, coping skills, crucial conversations and new friendships.

The honorees are: Community Partner — Miami Dade County | Mayor Daniela Levin Cava; Champion for Children Award — Children’s Trust | Jame R. Haj; Community Impact Award — US Soccer Foundation | Ed Foster- Simeon; Community Legacy Award — Griffin Catalyst; and Inspirational Leader — Ernst & Young LLP | Patty Burleson.

“Be a Champion is a call to action centered on the families we serve and the futures we can help change,” said Gloria Rojas, executive director for Miami. “It brings our community together to stand beside children and families, giving them the support, stability, and opportunity they deserve.”

CHS Miami hopes to make the Be a Champion awards gala a regular event. Tickets and sponsorships at secure.qgiv.com/event/champs26

Write to ChristinaMMayo@gmail.com with news for this column.