Hughes joins SIEF board

BY JAMIE BURDORF

New board member Lucas Hughes

The Shenandoah Iowa Education Foundation recently filled one open position on their board by welcoming Lucas Hughes.  Hughes filled the spot of original board member and long time president Corby Fichter who served on the board for ten years.

Board president Julie O’Hara spoke highly of the service of Fichter.

“We are so grateful and appreciative to Corby for his leadership and dedication to the foundation. He definitely is leaving a lasting legacy for both the foundation and the Shenandoah Community School District,” said O’Hara.

Hughes is a 2006 Shenandoah graduate who recently returned to his hometown with his family.

Hughes feels strongly about education and serving on the SIEF board saying, “I’m passionate about education because educators have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on who a child becomes, not just what they know. Education helps prepare young people to become productive, thoughtful, and contributing members of their communities. Without strong education, we simply cannot have a strong and functioning society.”

After high school, Hughes moved onto Iowa Western Community College for two years to study business administration.  After taking a couple of years off, he then finished his education as a non-traditional student playing tennis for Ashford University in Clinton, IA and graduated with a Sports Management degree and a minor in business administration in 2013.  

Hughes is part-owner and manager of two businesses in Shenandoah, Mondo’s Restaurant and Sports Plex and Pizzeria. 

Lucas is married to his wife, Jennah, who is the Shenandoah Middle School art teacher.  The couple have two daughters, Remi, 7, and Chloe, 5. 

Hughes firmly believes in the power of a strong education, “Education is one of the most important influences in a child’s life. Education goes far beyond academics— It helps shape a child’s character, belief system, work ethic, and moral compass. It can build confidence in who they are and give them the belief that their goals and aspirations are possible.”

With the addition of Hughes, it brings the board membership back to 11. Hughes joins current board members O’Hara, Nick Bosley, Amy Miller, Duane Rexroth, Paula Brownlee, Lance Cornelius, Craig Lundgren, Amanda Branson, Jenni Hansen and Heather Weiss.