After completing her Bachelor of Science at the University of Kansas in 1974, Hope was awarded a full scholarship to continue for her Master of Science in Special Education.  Following graduate school, she began her career as a classroom teacher in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where she initiated a pilot mainstreaming program. To this day, teaching remains her favorite job.  She said, “Watching people learn and succeed at a new skill is the most rewarding thing.  Be it swimming, skiing, or reading, having a new skill and new experiences gives you something to talk about.”  This love of seeing people learn and succeed carried over into Hope’s long tenure as an educational leader.  

Hope focused on creating opportunities for students with disabilities.  Special education services are delivered on a continuum based on student need.  Hope understands the imperative to provide education services in the least restrictive environment. The special education continuum of services in Alaska is forever changed because of her commitment to this fundamental principle.   If there was a gap in what was available, she rallied a team to come up with a solution to provide the student the opportunity they deserved.  

Anybody who ever served on one of the myriads of teams Hope organized came away feeling heard, valued, and productive.  Hope is energized by a common goal and learning from divergent viewpoints.  The long list of innovative programs she initiated is evidence that she could take a group of people, reach consensus on the way forward, and move mountains.

Although Hope is happily retired from public education, she is still active in the community.  She serves on the advisory committee for Connect Mat-Su, a comprehensive health and social services information and referral hub.  She has worked in Stand-Up Clinics to deliver the COVID-19 vaccine to Valley residents.   In addition, a benefactor left Hope in charge of the Lucile Hope Scholarship fund.  She is currently working with a team reviewing scholarship applications from the first round of students with disabilities attending college and aspiring to continue.  It is not uncommon for those in retirement to shrink their public involvement in pursuit of personal interests – not Lucy Hope.  Our community will continue to benefit from her leadership, advocacy, and passion for years to come.