Alumni

Kermit McCue

Legendary Educator 2024

Kermit Clare McCue was born in Alexandria, Nebraska, and moved to Burchard, Nebraska, at the age of three. His father died when he was five, and he was primarily raised by his mother. His mother later remarried to a wonderful man who became a great stepfather.

While growing up, Kermit was very interested in reading and writing. At the age of 14, he won a state essay contest. He graduated from high school at Burchard and enrolled at the University of Nebraska. He spent only one year there and was then drafted into the army. After the war ended in Korea, Kermit spent another 16 months there working for a colonel. Upon an honorable discharge, Kermit graduated from UNL with a double major in English and history.

He started teaching at Barr Junior High as an English and Journalism teacher. Kermit received a year-long fellowship in English from the University of Nebraska. This was followed by a fellowship from Rutgers University which enabled him to work with teachers from England in devising methods and strategies for teaching composition to secondary students. Kermit also received a fellowship from the University of Chicago in literature.

Kermit received teaching awards from the Nebraska Jaycees, from the Omaha Worlds Herald, and from the American Association of University Women. He was elected president of the Nebraska Council of Teachers of English. The National Council of Teachers of English chose him as a judge for their national writing awards for several years. Kermit’s first wife, Sharon Lierz, gave birth to a son who died in childbirth. Sharon died nine days later. Kermit was married to Lee Baron for 21 years. They had one daughter, Lori, and Kermit adopted Lee’s daughter, Lisa, from her previous marriage. Kermit so enjoyed raising Lori and Lisa and putting them through the university.

Upon retirement, Kermit married Carol Spahr. She died from cancer after 22 years of marriage.

Kermit was happy to be a teacher in the Grand Island School System for 38 years. Some of the finest students in the state of Nebraska sat in his classes. He was blessed to be one of their teachers.
 

List of Awards. Accomplishments, Achievements, Recognitions:

Nebraska Jaycee Outstanding Educator Award

Omaha World Herald Outstanding Teacher Award

American Association of University Women Outstanding Educator Award

Fellowship in English, The University of Nebraska

Fellowship in English, The University of Chicago

Fellowship in English, Rutgers University

Judge, National Council of Teachers of English Annual Writing Awards

Who’s Who of Teachers in America

You are invited to attend the celebration.

Join the GIPS Foundation for an extraordinary event, Legends & Legacies. The Foundation is dedicated to honoring distinguished Grand Island Senior High Alumni to the Hall of Honor and celebrating our Legendary Educators. This event is a celebration of the remarkable individuals who have not only walked the hallowed halls of education but have also left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those they have touched. Join us as we celebrate these extraordinary alumni and the passionate educators. Legends & Legacies welcomes you to an evening of celebration, reflection, and recognition of those who have shaped the future through their commitment to knowledge and the pursuit of greatness.

Sponsors

Thank you to the Legends & Legacies sponsors. We appreciate you and your support of Grand Island Public Schools excellence.