A.B. Lucas Secondary School

A.B. Lucas Secondary School is a secondary school located at the northern end of London, Ontario, Canada. The school was named after A.B. Lucas, who was recognized for his contribution to education in London. In April 1962, Hugh Murray became the first principal. He commissioned lieutenants Terry Ferris, Jim Wylie, Don Epplet, Phil Sparling, Don Carson, Charlie Belchamber, Alex Shamas, Alan Williams, Ed Hancox and Fred Hickman. During the next few months, these men recruited more staff, acquired equipment and supplies and arranged programs. During the years 1962–1963 some 60 north-Londoners traveled daily to Westminster Secondary School in the west end of the city. But by September 1963 the doors were opened to the first Viking recruits in grades 9, 10, and 11. The premier of Ontario, Mr. John Robarts, officially opened the school on October 25, 1963. History and construction By early 1960, monumental growth in north London soon established the need for the construction of a new secondary school to accommodate the new families moving into the area. Suffering economic restraint, the Board of Education was hesitant to approve growth, but eventually approved the project in an effort to reduce the strain on other schools in the city.