Media Center Named After Polk Educator, Army's 1st Black Paratrooper

POLK COUNTY, FL — A 95-year-old Polk County native received an honor Wednesday for leading by positive example to students at Union Academy during his years of a math teacher and track coach, a Polk County Public Schools news release said.

Jordan Jerome “J.J.” Corbett wrote his name into history decades ago as one of the U.S. Army's first Black paratroopers during World War II. Following his military service, he returned home and taught at his alma mater, Union Academy.

The Polk County School Board officially named Union Academy's media center after Corbett on Wednesday.

“Mr. Corbett has invested his entire life into making the world a better place,” Superintendent Frederick Heid, during Wednesday's ceremony. “His selfless devotion to caring for his community — in particular making a positive impact on the youth of Polk County — continues to inspire us to become better citizens, educators and public servants.”

Corbett transferred to Bartow High School following the desegregation of schools, and taught math and coached sports. Corbett served 12 years as a Polk County School Board member.

The school board unanimously approved the dedication of Union Academy's media center in January, the news release said.

“I hope I’ve lived the kind of life that this honor could be in my name,” Corbett said. “And I hope that I’ll be able to represent you in any way that I can. God bless you.”