Doherty Middle School Track & Field Area Named For Tucker Family

Press release from the Andover School Committee:

Andover, Mass. — The Andover School Committee is pleased to announce the naming of the track and field area behind Doherty Middle School and within the World War I Memorial Playstead as “The Tucker Family Field” in recognition of the family's considerable contributions to the Andover community. The fitting tribute couples the impact of Susan and Michael Tucker on the Veterans’ community and important a role Andover athletics played in the lives of their sons, Mark and David.

“Senator Tucker’s reputation as a trailblazer for women in elected office was known to me previously, and I have appreciated learning more about the entire Tucker family through this process,” said Andover School Committee Chairperson Shannon Scully. “The feedback from the community received by the Committee on this naming proposal made it clear that the Tucker family has extensive and meaningful connections with generations of people across Andover and a legacy deserving of this recognition.”

For over two decades, Susan Tucker championed causes important to Andover and Merrimack Valley residents in the Massachusetts state legislature, first a state representative and then state senator. Her important work included chairing the Senate Committee concerned with Veteran Affairs, and passage of a 2003 bill that enabled thousands of Massachusetts veterans to access state veterans’ benefits. Susan was named an “Andover Veteran Honoree” for her diligence on behalf of veterans across Massachusetts.

Susan’s husband, Michael, served his country as a commissioned ROTC 2nd Lieutenant in the Army. Michael was selected for the Army Military Intelligence School and served as a qualified Intelligence Agent in the Counter Intelligence Corp during the Cold War. Michael continued his dedication to veterans by helping to launch a therapy program for Combat Veterans with PTSD.
Susan and Michael raised their sons, David and Mark, in Andover. They attended Andover Public Schools where they were avid athletes, earned many awards, and played on the field throughout their years in the community. Unfortunately, Mark passed away in 2017. David is currently battling ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease.

The naming proposal was brought forth by members of the Andover community, and after a period of considerable public input, the School Committee voted to approve the naming at their August 19, 2020 meeting, in accordance with the polices of Andover Public Schools. The Committee also approved the placement of a plaque near “The Tucker Family Field” recognizing it as such.

This press release was produced by the Andover School Committee. The views expressed are the authors' own.