FAMILY … Lucas Smith is passionate about the success of his family, which he lovingly built with his wife Angie. The pair are pictured here with their three children, Izzie, Josie, and Zane.
By: Anna Wozniak
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
anna@thevillagereporter.com
Growing up right across the state line in Harlan, Indiana, Lucas Smith knows a thing or two about family. “We built our house 21 years ago on family ground, so I have lived in the same area for nearly my whole life,” he shared.
It was there that he watched his parents, especially his devoted mother, who cared for his multiply handicapped brother, which she still does to this day.
It was this sense of devotion and care that had Lucas’s heart taking him further away from his dream of wanting to be a police officer, and closer to his education that led to his role as a special education teacher.
“I wanted to become a police officer, but when I went to sign up for my major, I just felt the Holy Spirit guiding me to become a special education teacher. So I majored in special education, and taught in that field for 17 years.”
Smith continued on to share that “I taught six years at Woodland in their special education department, then in 2008, I got the head football job along with the intervention specialist position at Hicksville.”
“I taught special education at Hicksville for 11 years before switching to become the high school health / PE / strength teacher for the past five years. I was also the head football coach for 15 years.”
His love for education and helping others has shone through his choice in a wife, as his best friend, Angie, is a principal and special education director at Hicksville.
“We have three children, Izzie (20), Josie (17), and Zane (13). Izzie will be a junior at PFW, majoring in nursing, Josie will be a senior at Hicksville, and Zane will be an 8th grader,” Lucas shared proudly.
“As I get older, I look up to my parents more and more every year. The sacrifices they made and still continue to make have really made an impression on me,” Lucas shared of his role models, continuing with “my wife is another person I look up to.”
“A mothers’ heart is unmatched. My wife is the most amazing servant leader I have ever met. She continuously puts the needs of others above her own. I will be forever grateful for her.”
Smith shared that “from a career standpoint, I am passionate about leadership, culture, and teambuilding. I love making systems and programs run more effectively and efficiently.”
“From a husband and father standpoint, I love watching my kids play sports and love seeing them succeed. I also really enjoy helping my wife with whatever she needs. Building up others with excitement and encouragement is something I really enjoy.”
The students at Edgerton Elementary will soon be able to see this passion and excitement first hand, as Mr. Lucas Smith begins to serve Edgerton Schools as the elementary principal in the Fall.
“I am excited for a new challenge,” shared Lucas Smith, “I’m excited to take my experiences as an educator, coach, husband, and father and apply those to the principal position.”
“I look forward to growing and developing in all areas of my life and helping the students, staff, and community at Edgerton grow as well.”