Laken Hardy

Ashley Tucker has taken over as the LCMHS theatre teacher.

 The auditorium lights may be dim for now, but a new spark is already shining brightly at LCM High School. With scripts in hand and a passion rooted deep in her own student experience, the school’s new theatre teacher is stepping into a role that feels both unexpected and perfectly meant to be. Her story is one of chance, courage, and coming home—a reminder that sometimes the stage you leave behind is the very one you are meant to return to. 

LCM alumni Ashley Tucker has recently taken on the role of theatre teacher. As a student, she never imagined herself auditioning for a play, much less being cast in one. That all changed when her speech teacher, Caroline Hennigan, encouraged her to try out.  

“I had never thought that I would even make it, let alone get casted in anything,” Tucker said. “From the moment I stepped on that stage, I fell in love.” 

That first experience opened the door to a passion that quickly grew into something much deeper. Theatre, especially One Act Production-OAP, became a place of growth, challenge, and connection.  

“There is something about OAP that changes your brain chemistry,” Tucker said. “The countless hours you put in practicing and characterizing, trying to put on one of the best performances… there is just something so personality building about it. The bonds you build on the stage are some of the best.”  

Despite her love for theatre, her life initially followed a very different path. She earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and spent four years working in plants, far removed from scripts, rehearsals, and stage lights. Looking back, even she is surprised by where she ended up.  

“To be honest, I don’t think I would have ever seen myself in this role,” Tucker said. “I got my bachelor’s degree in chemistry and worked in the plants for four years. I think I just felt called to be here, and now that I am here, it feels almost as natural as breathing.” 

Returning to LCM High School as a teacher has been both emotional and surreal for Tucker. As a former graduate, she now walks the same halls from a new perspective.  

“As a former LCM graduate, it’s oddly nostalgic coming back to the high school,” Tucker said. “Everything is weirdly the same and so different at the same time.”  

According to Tucker what excites her most about this new role is the opportunity to share her passion with students.  

“The ability to help and do OAP and teach kids about the wonders of theatre,” Tucker said. “If I can just inspire one kid, it’ll all be worth it.”  

Looking toward the future, she has ambitious goals for the program.  

“As a brand-new teacher, I assume that there is a pretty serious learning curve,” Tucker said. “I hope to hit the ground running, get integrated with the students, and hopefully teach them something new about theatre…Taking our OAP all the way to state and winning the whole thing…Selling out tickets for our fall shows.”

According to Tucker the core of her teaching philosophy is a strong belief in the importance of theatre in schools. 

 “I think theatre is a place for students to express themselves, just like any art form,” Tucker said. “The stage allows students’ voices to be heard and their creative experience seen.”  

When asked what she hopes students will say about her class at the end of the year, her answer reflects her deepest goal. 

 “I hope my students walk away from my class being more comfortable in themselves and their own creativity,” Tucker said. “Also, if I was even able to inspire even one student to join productions, I would consider this semester a success.” 

As she begins this new chapter, she carries a message shaped by her own journey; one she hopes students take to heart. 

 “I am a firm believer that you can do anything you set your mind to,” Tucker said. “You never know where life will take you.”