Hugh Lacy
Hugh Lacy’s philosophy was simple: teach students how to prepare themselves for the world of work and let them know you’re interested in their success and welfare.
For Hugh Lacy, this philosophy was the foundation of a life-long career. Born in 1910 at Broken Bow, Lacy earned his bachelor of science degree from Southeastern State College in 1942. He earned his master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma.
Yet a college education wasn’t Hugh’s only success during this time. In 1935 he married his wife, Lucille. Following his graduation, Lacy taught science for eight years at Canadian Public School in southeastern Oklahoma. In 1944 he taught at Fox Public School and returned to Broken Bow in 1945.
For the next eight years, Hugh would work with students — as both their mentor and friend. Hugh left Broken Bow in 1953 and accepted a position at Holdenville High School. There, he founded a vocational agriculture program and Future Farmers of America chapter.
And even as he encouraged his students to grow academically and professionally, Lacy was doing the same. In 1959, he was promoted to principal at Holdenville where he would stay until 1964.
In July 1965, he joined the Oklahoma Department of Vocational and Technical Education as a supervisor in the Manpower Division and was promoted to coordinator in 1966.
Hugh Lacy would serve the state of Oklahoma until his retirement in 1975. He passed away on May 19, 1984. However, even today his legacy remains. In 1988, many of Hugh’s former students created a scholarship trust fund for agriculture students.
Hugh Lacy’s life and career had their foundation in simple, time-honored values: quality education, a genuine dedication to his country and his state, and a deep love and interest in each student. And it’s these same values that are his legacy.
Mr. Lacy was inducted to the CareerTech Hall of Fame in 1995.
