Lawrence Public Schools'

Legacy Award Winners

Ron Lang

“Ron is the consummate professional who has impacted thousands of students in countless ways," reads the nomination of Ron Lang as the recipient of the 54th Legacy Award. Co-workers describe the Lawrence High School English teacher as the calm and steady rock in the storm of educational ideas, innovations and changes. "He comes to work each and every day with a positive attitude and a love for life that rubs off on staff, faculty, and students," nominators wrote. Ron’s nomination further reads, “He has high expectations for students – whether they are of low or high ability. In fact, he refuses to differentiate between the ability levels of students – and insists that each student has the same ability to do his or her very best. Ron was an advocate for ‘No Child Left Behind’ long before it became a requirement.” Colleagues add, “All of his students are taught with respect and dignity. Students fortunate enough to have him as a teacher receive not only lessons in English, but also lessons in life. He knows that a daily hour with students should not only focus on English, but should also have some relevancy in their lives and future careers and families." A co-worker described Ron Lang as representative of all that is good and true in the teaching profession: "A diligent, industrious person who simply works, and is ever-present at Lawrence High School, rarely missing a day of work and often logging additional hours in during the weekend." Lawrence High School Principal Steve Nilhas indicates that Ron Lang's name should be included in the definition of professional because he truly exemplifies how a professional educator should look, act and believe. Ron began student teaching at LHS in 1969 and joined the staff in 1973. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The University of Kansas, and is certified in English, speech and theatre arts, physical education, health, general science, psychology, and building administration.