By Ben Barkey
It is my honor this month to write about someone I have now known for over 30 years. A strong woman, a leader and person that, to quote the former Bank of Keystone, is “time tried and panic tested!” When I started working for WVEA in 1993 as an ESP organizer, Gwen Lacy was already involved as an association leader. When I started my job as a UniServ around the year 2000, Gwen was the president of the McDowell County Education Association and on the WVEA Executive Committee. Two positions she has continuously held. A year after I started, McDowell County faced a state takeover and all the associated angst. That was followed by a devastating flood that closed one school forever.
I asked Gwen how she ended up being a teacher. Gwen thought she might be an airline stewardess or join the military, but she found out she was not tall enough for the airline and her mother refused to sign the necessary paperwork for her to be in the military. Her mother, a strong influence in Gwen’s life, took her to Bluefield State College and signed her up for the education program. About being a teacher, Gwen said, “I don’t think I could have chosen a better or more rewarding career for myself. I think God and my mother had a conversation about me and what I should do with my life.” Her grandfather, Robert Ross, encouraged her to join the union. Gwen’s family was active in the Fall River Community long before she was born. She is number eight out of eleven and all were born in McDowell County. “I live less than five miles from where I was born.” Gwen thinks the people of McDowell County are special. “No matter where I go, I am always grateful to come back home. McDowell is just where I think I am meant to be.”
I spoke with Gwen about some of the challenges she has faced as a teacher and union leader. She spoke about watching our public schools being undermined. “Students and parents do not have the respect for teachers the way they did when I started teaching.” As a union leader, Gwen said the biggest challenge has been getting others to see the importance of joining the association and being active in it. “I have a difficult time trying to get education employees to understand that their rights are being eroded.”
I have personally witnessed Gwen stand up for her fellow employees on many occasions, often putting herself at some risk of retaliation in the process. Gwen says, “My proudest moment as a local leader was to stand on the picket line with my fellow teachers, knowing we could lose our jobs, to fight for our rights. As a state leader, I am proud of the trust and confidence I have received from members all over the state by electing me to the WVEA Executive Committee and by allowing me to represent West Virginia at the National Education Association Representative Assembly.”
Recently, Gwen was featured on the local news as a teacher who has both opened and closed a school, working at the same school throughout her career. “I had been teaching for only a year and a half when Fall River Elementary opened in 1978. I actually carried my furniture into my classroom when the school opened.” Gwen loves her time in the classroom with her students, “I love watching them get it when the light bulb finally comes on. Kids are really fascinating.” Gwen is also active in her church, the local Lions Club and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. “My work in my church and other organizations, allows me to be of service in my community.” Thank you, Gwen, for your years of service.