Neighbor News
Mr. Lee Copacia tells his story of UCS SUCCESS
Lee Copacia UCS Resident for 49 Years UCS Parent and Grandparent
My story in Utica Community Schools began 49 years ago when my wife Mary and I moved to this community. My family has been fortunate to be part of Utica Community Schools, which I feel is the best school district in Michigan. I have 11 grandchildren and four sons. My sons were all graduates of Eisenhower High School and have been very successful in college and in their life.
I believe that our continued success comes from the great superintendents and boards of education that have served this school district. Just as important is that these two groups have hired superb teachers.
The first superintendent I met was Phil Runkel back in 1965. Phil was an outstanding educator, and he left our school district to become superintendent of the entire State of Michigan. We knew we had something special there.
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One of my favorite superintendents was Don Bemis. Through his leadership, Mr. Bemis hired great staff members. I also remember in particular at the dedication of Eisenhower High School when then President Nixon spoke at the ceremony. That was a historic day for Utica Community Schools.
I also want to express my personal appreciation to Dr. Johns for the fine job she has been doing as our superintendent. The administration of more than 28,000 students is a huge job. It is the way she does her job that measures the success of the school district. We have in my faith that says “you are worthy.” Well, you know what, she is worthy.
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Utica Community Schools has provided our children with a great teaching and administrative staff. It is amazing that 1,000 applicants annually apply for a handful of positions. It really says a lot about our district, that more than 1,000 people see the quality of our schools and want to be a part of it.
The quality of education that has been provided to our grandchildren and children has been beyond our expectations. They have all achieved great success in school and in business. I also never heard my children or grandchildren ever say anything negative about their time in Utica Community Schools.
We have always wanted to be the best school system in the state, and I sincerely believe that we have accomplished that.
