Alumni Spotlight
Wayne Lucas ’78: “English High School was my first true family!”
From age two, Wayne Lucas ’68, lived in foster homes in three different Boston neighborhoods. When he was 18, he left for UMass-Amherst.
Although English High wasn’t the closest high school to his Grove Hall home on the Roxbury-Dorchester line, Wayne Lucas chose to attend English High in his sophomore year. He recalls, “I’m not sure why I chose EHS except that it was well known as an excellent school. Back then you had to take an exam to get in. I have never regretted that decision. I had heard they had great athletic teams –though at that time I was only an average baseball player. Within a short time, my life took a very interesting turn. Most important, English High was my first true family!”
English High School Track Team with Wayne Lucas, Circa 1968
Introduction to A New Passion: Sports
Wayne continues, “English track coach Mr. Gillis wanted candidates to come out for the track team. We had to write down what events we wanted. I hardly knew anything about track so I wrote down the 440 yard race and the one mile run. I then asked him, ‘If I go out for cross-country, do I really have to run across the country?’ He thought I was being a wise guy and said, ‘Come out to White Stadium and I’ll show you what cross-country is all about.’ About three weeks later in the Catholic Memorial Invitational Freshman-Sophomore Division, I came in second. If the race was a little longer, I would’ve won.”
Wayne became a lettered member of the varsity cross-country and track teams, serving as team captain in his junior and senior years. He attended UMass-Amherst, where he received a B.A. in American History. Throughout his college years, he continued his passion for sports as a member of the cross-country and track teams.
A favorite teacher was Mr. Pearlman, for senior year Biology 2. “He had us doing the Hare Krishna chant in class and I would incorporate it into my warmups before every race.”
During his formative years, Wayne discovered books and how much he loved to read. He recalls, “My best memory was going to the library just about every day since I was five. I was such an avid reader I remember the librarian saying to me the maximum number of books I could borrow was seven. I would read all seven in one day and would be at the library for another seven. Reading opened up the world for me, but it was also a form of escapism from being a mistreated foster child which I didn’t realize at that time.”
Bringing People Together and Helping Them
Why did Wayne agree to serve on the English High School Association Board of Directors where he serves as Treasurer? “The answer is multi-faceted. In high school I felt a strong bond with other students. It was like family, especially since I really didn’t have one. In sports I established many connections which I still have. I like to think high school is where many of us make strong lifelong bonds. I believe in bringing people together and helping others — and what better way than to serve on the Board? The first time I served the community was in my early 20’s when I organized a fundraiser for fellow English alum John D. O’Bryant in his quest to serve on the Boston School Committee. He had been a guidance counselor when I was at English.”
Wayne offers advice for today’s English High students: “There are going to be many bumps and changes of directions and goals. That’s how life goes. You need to adjust and adapt for unexpected situations. Listen to others who came before you. Take notes. Talk to the staff and teachers and ask for advice, establish a rapport with them. Many of them overcame obstacles so they can relate. To make extra money on the side, think about sports officiating. There is a huge shortage of officials nationwide that really needs to be addressed. Anyone reading this can contact me and I will give them the necessary contact information. That changed my life financially for the better and it has helped me make donations/contributions to others without hesitation.”
Wayne has volunteered with organizations such as Big Brothers, Boston Neighborhood Basketball League, and Big Brothers of the Elderly, to name a few. He continues to work in the sports world as a member of various sports official organizations. Today he’s involved in EMWLUA (women’s lacrosse); IAABO (basketball); and Pavo (volleyball). He’s on the Executive Board for lacrosse helping to make decisions on organization operations. During his years with the USPS, he regularly volunteered for United Cerebral Palsy.
Much of his life revolves around family. He has three daughters and two sons, most living in Greater Boston. Son Tarik Lucas is a City Councilor in Newton. His granddaughter works for WBUR and is an accomplished writer and podcaster. For many years Wayne hosted huge cookouts, sometimes with 200 guests.
Wayne still loves to read. Among his favorites are Krakatoa: The Day the World Exploded; Dream Makers, Dream Breakers; and The Warmth of Other Suns. He enjoys suspense and history movies. Newer favorites are Stand By Me and Tombstone. Favorite TV shows include Nova, American Experience and Nature. Law & Order is his top TV show. He also enjoys board games, whist and spades.
Wayne says, “I was honored to be selected for the English High School Association Board. Staying involved, staying active and giving to others is my lifetime motto.”
Reflecting on his life experiences and challenges, Wayne realizes that his life has been centered around family, education, sports, giving back and contributing to others.
