Ladue Middle School Assistant Principal Scott Lackey has been selected as the 2024 Dave M. Backer Missouri Middle-Level Assistant Principal of the Year.

Clark Mershon, Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals (MoASSP) executive director, announced Lackey’s award during a surprise event at Ladue Middle School (LMS) on Monday, Dec. 16, in front of staff, eighth-grade students, and his family.

During the presentation, Mershon shared, “In addition to this state-level recognition, Mr. Lackey will also represent middle-level assistant principals nationally, and his influence will be felt far beyond your school walls.”

Coincidentally, Lackey, who is in his 24th year with LMS, was hired by Mershon, then principal at North Kansas City, for his first teaching position 28 years ago. At Ladue Middle, Lackey has served as a science teacher, instructional technology coordinator, and now, assistant principal.

"I am floored,” Lackey exclaimed. “I love what I do, I love this school, and I couldn't do it without the support of our team and, of course, our students. My first job was with Clark Mershon, and the first question he asked me in the interview was, ‘Scott, what do you teach?’ I went on to explain that I was a science teacher. After the interview, Clark looked at me, put his hand on my shoulder, and said, 'Scott, you teach kids.' Even though I got that question wrong, that moment has stuck with me. I teach kids, and I do that every day and love it."

Lackey will officially be presented the award during the 52nd Annual MoASSP Spring Conference in late March. He will also receive a complimentary trip to the National Principals’ Conference in Seattle, WA, in July 2025. The award is named after Dave M. Backer, who dedicated his career to education. He served as a career assistant principal at Smith-Cotton High School in Sedalia. 

"This is so special for him and us,” explains Dr. Angela Thompson, principal at LMS. “The work he pours into LMS and our students is incredible; he's a champion for our kids. He's passionate about what he does, and we are honored to have him at Ladue Middle School. Congratulations, and we love you, Mr. Lackey!"

Ladue Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Wipke emphasized Lackey’s unique impact on the school community, adding, "Today, we honor him not just for his academic or professional accomplishments but for the profound empathy, care, and love he shows for our students. His dedication, passion, and unwavering focus on the well-being of our students and the Ladue Middle School community set him apart. With so many exceptional assistant principals across the state, being recognized as one of the best is a tremendous achievement—one that reflects not only on him but also on the pride of LMS and Ladue Schools." 

Ladue Schools congratulates Scott Lackey on the tremendous honor of being selected as the Middle-Level Assistant Principal of the Year, and we thank him for his years of service to our students, families, and the community.