By Roger L. Perry
Headmaster, Lakehill Preparatory SchoolÂ
One of the exciting benefits of an anniversary is the opportunity to reflect on the days, weeks, or years leading up to the moment of celebration. So as I reflect on the school’s 40th anniversary, the recollection of people who helped the school arrive where we are today seems appropriate and healthy.
Many of you may not realize that we have enjoyed the benefit of five Headmasters over the past forty years. In 1971, the founding Headmaster was Hollis Allen, a former DISD assistant Superintendent who had recently retired. He served one year – and a very important year it was – as he was able to convince his acquaintances in DISD to give Lakehill desks and blackboards and the things that our school needed to get started. The desks and other items were well used and were scheduled for the trash, but they were critical for the humble beginnings of our school.
The second Headmaster was Bob Ivie, a former science teacher at J.L. Long. Under his leadership, the school continued to operate much like a public school, except that we were private. I am very thankful that Mr. Ivie took a chance on a young educator and hired me as a part-time teacher and coach while I continued to work on my graduate degree at the University of North Texas. For historical perspective, I worked from noon to 7:30 pm, or until the game or event ended, for an amazing $200/month. Near the end of the fall term, the assistant Headmaster was released from his duties. Mr. Ivie asked me to serve in the assistant role for the spring semester and attend graduate school at night. I remained in that role for six years.
In 1976, Bernard Fulton, the founding Headmaster of Greenhill came to Lakehill as Headmaster and is the one I would credit for helping us become a true independent college preparatory school. His longtime buddy, Bob Lyle, who had recently retired from Hockaday as Headmaster, became one of my mentors, along with Bernard. After two great years at the helm, Mr. Fulton retired and Lee Johnson came to Lakehill from the Pennington School in Pennsylvania. Mr. Johnson attempted to bring the New England nuances to our college preparatory school. As you might imagine, there was some reluctance on the part of Texans to fully accept his approach.
In February of 1982, Mr. Johnson left the school and the Board of Directors thought it was my turn to give the position a try. Each of these Headmasters played an important role in building the foundation of our school and made significant contributions to the Lakehill we all enjoy today. I am thankful that the Perry years continue to be written.