‘Important that it go back’: Lufkin ISD rededicates Hackney School

LUFKIN, Texas ( KETK ) – Lufkin ISD rededicated the Ace Alternative school, bringing back the historic roots of the building’s legacy.

“It was important that it go back,” Dr. Patricia McKenzie, Hackney School rededication committee, said.

In 2022, Lufkin ISD’s Hackney Primary campus moved to a new location, and Ace Alternative took over the building, making a change the community wasn’t happy with.

“When we moved our ace campus here, we unintentionally took the name off, named it Ace,” Daniel Spikes, Lufkin ISD assistant superintendent of administrative services, said.

The original name honored the legacy of Olivia R. Hackney who was not only the school’s first principal, but the first African-American woman to hold leadership.

“She knew how to reach students and she knew how important it was for them to learn information,” McKenzie said.

McKenzie was on the committee that worked to get the name changed back, saying it was important to showcase the impact Mrs. Hackney had on people.

“We have a history in this community and we will never allow anyone to ignore that,” McKenzie said.

The district made sure the change was righted, and children could see someone like them who achieved greatness every day they come to class.

“Honor the legacy of Mrs. Hackney, ensure that not only the people who attend here, but our community as well know that we honor her legacy and the contributions that she made,” Spikes said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.