For Lucas George, an Independence High School Class of 2014 graduate, the foundation for his career in education was built right here in Independence.
“This is where it all starts. This is the foundation,” George said.
Now an accomplished social studies educator, George continues to make an impact in the classroom and beyond. He currently teaches eighth grade at Lakeview Junior High in Fairfield County, where he helps students develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of history, government, and civic engagement. He has also shared his expertise with future educators as an adjunct faculty member in social studies methods at Wittenberg University and will be working with students from Ohio Wesleyan this fall.
George’s passion for history and teaching has earned him statewide and national recognition. He was named the 2022 Ohio History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute and received the prestigious James Madison Foundation Fellowship, which supported his graduate studies and furthered his commitment to civic education.
Reflecting on his time in Independence, George credits both his family and his teachers for shaping his path, especially longtime Independence educator Bill McGuinness.
“The first time I took a class with Mr. McGuinness, I really felt like I was learning and that I belonged there,” George said.
McGuinness remembers George as an engaged and curious student who stood out in the classroom.
“Lucas was always bright, energetic, and engaging,” McGuinness said. “He asked thoughtful questions and sparked meaningful discussions. Seeing him go on to become an educator is something that makes us incredibly proud.”
Since beginning his career, George has focused on creating meaningful learning experiences for his students. In a previous role, he led a project that connected students with local history, encouraging them to research and present stories of underrepresented community figures to their school board.
“The way the students took this project to heart, was one of the greatest moments of my career,” George said.
Continuing to grow as an educator, George was recently selected as a 2026 Keizai Koho Center Teacher Fellow. This summer, he will travel to Japan to study its economy, education system, and culture alongside educators from across the country. The experience will include school visits and collaboration with business leaders, with the goal of bringing real world, global perspectives back to his classroom.
“I’m excited to connect this learning to my students and continue building globally minded, civically engaged thinkers,” George said.
From Independence classrooms to international learning opportunities, George’s journey reflects the lasting impact of a strong educational foundation and a commitment to inspiring the next generation.