By Liz Hiles, ’94
Director, Hughes Alumni Foundation
I want you to go a on a little trip with me in your mind…
Think back to Cincinnati in the early 1800s. A time when buildings were not just built for function and purpose, but when they were built for beauty and symbolism. A time when education was not a right, but a privilege that few could afford…
This is the time that Thomas Hughes lived. Hughes, a cobbler and business man, immigrated to Cincinnati in the beginning of the nineteenth century. He had a vision, a dream, a desire for young people to be educated regardless of their social situation. Revolutionary at the time. Hughes had no children and is said to have lived on Liberty Street downtown between Main and Sycamore with his wife, a horse, a dog and a hen, he relentlessly gave his own money in the form of scholarships so that the youth of Cincinnati could attend school.
When he passed away in 1824, he left his entire estate to the soul purpose of public education in Cincinnati. Twenty-seven years later, Hughes High School was established, starting a legacy that is still continuing today: the legacy of quality public education for the youth of Cincinnati.
As a school that is nearly 160 years old, we have an absolutely amazing history, including that in those 160 years our school has had 3 unique locations (Clifton Avenue has been occupied the longest. We will celebrate our Centennial in 2010.), a mere 17 principals, and droves of alumni nearing a total of almost 40,000.
Yes, we have been through changes… I walked across the stage at Music Hall a mere 15 years ago and even in that time, so much has changed. Change is constant, however, and despite all that has and will change, one critical thing remains: Hughes still represents an outstanding legacy of excellence in education.
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