The IL Board of Education honored the 2022 Indian Lake Schools Distinguished Alumni Award winner Norman "Kay" Tracy during their April meeting. Dr. Rob Underwood presented the award in the auditorium in front of dozens of Tracy's friends and family members.
Tracy was a long-time facilities director of Indian Lake Schools, a town council member and mayor of Huntsville, a dedicated member of the Huntsville Fire Department and friend to all. He came highly recommended by fellow inductee, Judy Grubbs, and was officially nominated by several community members including Betsy Shoffstall, Dave Corwin, Scott Hall, Wayne Wickerham, Joe Forsythe and his daughter, Heidi Tracy.
She wrote in her letter to the selection committee, “My father embodies the spirit of the Indian Lake community. His wisdom and caring for others have created a legacy that his family will continue to uphold, because the true measure of a man isn’t counted by the big things, but in the daily actions that demonstrate character that others want to emulate.”
Tracy humbly accepted his award saying, "This is wonderful. I enjoyed every minute of working at school. I always worried that I was doing the work just right."
The groups gathered in the board room for a reception filled with story telling after the award ceremony.
In other action, the Board of Education voted to hire several coaches and supplemental positions. In addition, they accepted the retirements of two long-time staff members. Food Service Director Susan Young is retiring after nearly 25 years with the district. And Board office administrative assistant Pat Stanley is retiring after 361/2 years with Indian Lake Schools.
Kay Tracy Biography
Norman “Kay” Tracy graduated from Huntsville High School in 1959. As a sophomore student, Kay began helping and learning the job of custodian at Huntsville High School. When a custodian fell ill during Kay’s junior year, he stepped in to fire up the furnace in the early morning, shovel coal during school, and clean rooms after school once he was done with classes.
In 1963, he became the head custodian at Huntsville School and later he was named to be in charge of maintenance for the entire district. Known as “Mr. Fix-It,” Kay was able to repair just about anything on campus, and in doing so, saved the district a lot of money. He also developed relationships with many students, helping to guide them in the right direction for their lives. Kay retired in 1992 after 20 years in that position.
In retirement, he continued to to fix things as a favor for many people throughout the community. He specifically assisted the lonely and old. As a lifelong resident of Huntsville, Kay served as member of the Town Council for 20 years and as Mayor of Huntsville for 5 years. In addition, he spent 15 years as a member of the volunteer fire department and is a charter member of the Huntsville Lions Club.
Finally, Kay is a teller of stories. He loves to talk and people love to talk with him.