About Our School

Background Information: Andre Lucas Elementary School opened in August 1997 with 530 students. The faculty and staff have built a first class educational program which enjoys an excellent reputation as being student and teacher friendly. We have benefited significantly from the active participation of parents in the classroom through the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). Working together with parents, volunteers and post officials, we are committed to building a tradition of excellence.

Andre Lucas ES has a diverse student population that reflects the military community that it serves. The 526th Brigade is the school's adopted unit. Each day the unit sends a representative to greet students as they arrive in the mornings. These soldiers work with the students and assist with clerical duties. The 526th also volunteers during school-wide activities such as classroom moves, serving the Thanksgiving meal and Field Day. The continued interaction lifts the students' morale immediately when interacting with the soldiers. This helps students find another connection to their parents who are also on active duty.

Our Namesake - Lieutenant Colonel Andre Lucas

The school is named after Lieutenant Colonel Andre Calvaro Lucas. He was awarded the Medal of Honor Posthumously for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. Lt. Col. Lucas distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism while serving as the commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion. Although the fire base was constantly subjected to heavy attacks by a numerically superior enemy force throughout this period, Lt. Col. Lucas, forsaking his own safety, performed numerous acts of extraordinary valor in directing the defense of the allied position. On one occasion, he flew in a helicopter at treetop level above an entrenched enemy directing the fire of one of his companies for over 3 hours. Even though his helicopter was heavily damaged by enemy fire, he remained in an exposed position until the company expended its supply of grenades. He then transferred to another helicopter, dropped critically needed grenades to the troops, and resumed his perilous mission of directing fire on the enemy. These courageous actions by Lt. Col. Lucas prevented the company from being encircled and destroyed by a larger enemy force. On another occasion, Lt. Col. Lucas attempted to rescue a crewman trapped in a burning helicopter. As the flames in the aircraft spread, and enemy fire became intense, Lt. Col. Lucas ordered all members of the rescue party to safety. Then, at great personal risk, he continued the rescue effort amid concentrated enemy mortar fire, intense heat, and exploding ammunition until the aircraft was completely engulfed in flames. Lt. Col. Lucas was mortally wounded while directing the successful withdrawal of his battalion from the fire base. His actions throughout this extended period inspired his men to heroic efforts, and were instrumental in saving the lives of many of his fellow soldiers while inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. Lt. Col. Lucas' conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action, at the cost of his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit and the U.S. Army.