Grant Community High School is pleased to announce the selection of Mr. Howard “Bud” Scott (in memoriam), Mr. William Lomas, and Mr. Mark Barczak to the Hall of Fame.
Howard “Bud” Scott graduated from GCHS in the Class of 1953 and was an active member of the Grant/Fox Lake community for many years afterward. During his time at Grant, Mr. Scott was involved in several activities including Varsity Football and Latin Club. Following graduation, he attended the University of Illinois and then joined the Marine Corps, serving in active duty from 1954-1957. He entered the Inactive Reserve in 1957 while continuing his education at Western Illinois University and Northern Illinois University, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree. During his time in the Inactive Reserve, Mr. Scott began serving the Fox Lake community as a police officer and eventually becoming a Lake County Sheriff’s Deputy in 1964. Mr. Scott put his Business Education degree to good use by joining District #35’s staff as a teacher and coach. He quickly moved into his role as Superintendent and served in that capacity for four years. While working at the Channel Lake Grade School District, Mr. Scott was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps as a Sergeant. No matter his status, Mr. Scott continued to show support for the military by working at the American Legion Post 703 while pursuing more educational and career advancements. He earned his Master’s Degree while teaching and coaching at the Antioch School District #34 and then worked as an Elementary Principal at the Lincolnshire Prairie View School District. After his time as a principal, he returned to Grant in 1968 as Assistant to the Superintendent and worked tirelessly for 22 years. For many members of the Grant community, Mr. Scott was seen as someone that anyone could go to for advice, guidance, and understanding. His positive influence was felt and appreciated by all that had the pleasure of interacting with him. In addition to his patriotism and dedication to education, Mr. Scott placed a great deal of attention and effort into civic engagement. He was highly visible in the local political circuit, serving as the Lake Villa Republican Precinct Committeeman beginning in the 1960s, a Lake Villa Township Trustee, a member of the Lake County Planning Commission and Lake County Board, Commissioner of the Lake County Forest Preserve, Chairman of the Fox Waterway Agency, and a two-term Director of the Fox Lake Chamber of Commerce. Along with his various civic duties, Mr. Scott served as the President of the Lake Villa Fire Protection District Board and presided over the construction and 2008 opening of the substation in Lindenhurst. With his vast amount of community involvement, the State of Illinois commemorated him as a “true public servant who loved his community” by establishing Senate Resolution No. 11 in his honor. Although Mr. Scott’s reach and influence stretched far beyond the border of Fox Lake, he made a lasting impact on our campus and community, leaving a legacy of respect, appreciation, and pride.
William Lomas graduated from GCHS in the Class of 1973 and has been involved in the Fox Lake community for many years. During his time at Grant, he participated in G-Club, Language Club, and the Homecoming Committee. He played football, basketball, and baseball all four years at GCHS. During his senior year of football, Mr. Lomas served as captain, earned All-Conference, and was awarded the “Football Hustler” award. After graduating from Grant, Mr. Lomas stayed close to home and started his teaching career in 1978 at Shady Lane School (currently Stanton Middle School). Although he was just beginning his career, he took on a big role by working as the Chairman of the Social Studies Department and continued to fulfill those responsibilities for 11 years. In his seventh and ninth year as a teacher, Mr. Lomas was featured in the “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers” publication. In 1986, he was promoted to Assistant Principal. In this role, Mr. Lomas developed the school’s Code of Conduct and began serving as the Director of District Transportation. He moved into the principal position in 1988 and earned his Master’s Degree from Northeastern Illinois University. That same year, he was named the Illinois Principals Association’s (IPA) Lake Region Herman Graves Award winner for developing and overseeing the successful partnership with SEDOL which added six Special Education classrooms to Shady Lane. During his time as Principal, Mr. Lomas developed the school’s teacher evaluation instrument and policy manual, coordinated computer system installation for the district, served as Chairman or Co-Chairman on several committees (Communication Council-Discipline Committee, Principal’s Advisory Committee of Elementary Schools to GCHS, and Articulation Committee of Elementary Schools to GCHS), and facilitated the merger with Lotus School District 10. While the majority of his work focused on the students and staff of Shady Lane, Mr. Lomas put a lot of effort into positively impacting schools across the state. Through his involvement in the IPA, he served as Region IX Director-Elect for Lake and McHenry counties, State Executive Board Committee member, Congressional Meeting member, Advisory Committee member to the State Superintendent, Regional Director of Lake County, Strategic Planning Committee member, conference presenter for “Technology in Middle Schools,” and Lake Region Immediate Past Director. For Lake County specifically, Mr. Lomas worked as a Lake County Project Pass Board member, Advisory Committee member for the Lake County Area Vocational Central program, and developed a mentor cohort program as part of the Lake County Leadership Center. After completing his Educational Doctorate degree from Loyola University, Mr. Lomas was the perfect choice for Associate Superintendent in 2000. He was selected for the IPA Lake Region Middle School Principal of the Year in 2001. After retiring as Principal in 2009, Hawthorne Lane was honorably named William T. Lomas Drive. Mr. Lomas officially retired in 2010 as Associate Superintendent. While some may treat retirement as a time to relax, Mr. Lomas continued to stay active by volunteering and giving back to the community. He has served on the Open Arms Mission Food Pantry Board, delivered for Meals on Wheels, volunteered for the Lake Management Water Quality Program, and is the Harvester Program Manager for the Loon Lake Management Association. In 2022, Mr. Lomas and his wife, Mary, established the Fox Lake Grade School Scholarship at GCHS for students who attended Stanton Middle School and who are planning to attend a 2- or 4-year vocational school or college. No matter his role in education, place in life, or ever-growing list of commitments, Mr. Lomas has made a lasting impact on many students, staff members, and families within our community.
Mark Barczak was a staff member at GCHS for 33 years, serving as a teacher, coach, Assistant Athletic Director, Athletic Director, and source of guidance for many. Mr. Barczak joined the Social Studies Department in 1978 and taught a variety of courses including Geography, Civics, and Economics. While the majority of his classes focused on Social Studies, he also taught Health and CHAMPS. His interest in physical activity continued beyond the classroom as he took on several coaching roles within the Wrestling and Football program. After working as an Assistant Coach for Football, Mr. Barczak took on the role of Head Coach in 1992. During his 14 years as Head Coach, he led his teams through tremendously successful seasons and made them known for their quality, discipline, and integrity. With five appearances in the State Playoffs and Grant’s first-ever playoff victory in 1999, Mr. Barczak has the most career wins among any of Grant’s head football coaches. Even with a full teaching schedule and coaching responsibilities, he served as the Assistant Athletic Director for nine years. Mr. Barczak continued to stay close to athletics and became the Athletic Director in 2006. As the Athletic Director, he was involved in many high-profile projects including the turf installation at Paul G. Lewis Stadium, the building of the John Benedetti Field House, and the relocation of the weight room. Along with campus improvements, he was responsible for hiring many current and former head coaches that have elevated the status of their various programs. Although he retired in 2011, the bonds he created and his passion for Grant Athletics pulled him back to the GCHS campus for three more football seasons. Mr. Barczak formed a deep connection with the Grant community in 1978, inspiring many students in and out of the classroom throughout his many years as a Bulldog. Between various campus projects and the personal relationships he built, Mr. Barczak will be remembered at GCHS for many years.
Our inductees will take part in several homecoming activities, including a reception in their honor on September 21, 2023, a school pep assembly, the varsity football game, and the homecoming parade.
Please join us for the following homecoming activities to recognize our Hall of Fame recipients:
September 21, 2023 A reception at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium lobby followed by a Board of Education meeting at 7:00 p.m. to formally recognize the inductions.
September 22, 2023 Recognition at an all-school pep assembly that begins at 12:30 p.m. in the field house and at the beginning of the varsity football game that evening. Please report to the football field by 6:30 p.m.
September 23, 2023 Homecoming parade on Grand Avenue at 9:00 a.m. Please report to the student parking lot no later than 8:45 a.m.
