William Kingsley

William "Bill" Kingsley attended Lorain City Schools from kindergarten until his graduation in 1965. While attending Lorain High School, Bill played varsity basketball and was a member of the National Honor Society. Bill earned his B.S. Ed from Bowling Green University and his Masters Degree in History from Xavier University. Bill continued his education after his master's degree by taking an extensive number of graduate courses from B.G.S.U. Bill began his teaching career in 1969 at Southview, but it was cut short by being drafted into the Army. He was honorably discharged in 1972 as an E-5. He returned to Lorain City Schools for the next 30 years. Not only was Bill an English at Hawthorne and then Lorain High and History teacher in Lorain High, but he also was the Girls' Varsity Basketball coach while at Lorain High School. After eighteen years in the classroom, Bill became a principal. He completed his educational career as the principal of Admiral King High School.

Bill was the sole Lorain teacher selected to work with Bendix Corporation during a summer. The goal was to understand how business decisions were made. The State of Ohio awarded a plaque to two Lorain City School teachers for their positive contributions to Lorain City Schools. Bill was the secondary schools' award winner. William was selected by the Central Office to be observed by John Cole, Editor of the Morning Journal. John Cole wrote an editorial titled, "Visiting That Rare, Wonderful Creature: a Teacher". Not only did this editorial explain Bill's duties for the day; but also, the editorial heaped praise on this wonderful teacher. Another recognition occurred when Bill was presented a plaque by the Lorain Association of Black Educators. The organization presented William this plaque for his continued excellent support of this pro-gram. William recalled a final recognition that touched him deeply. In 2021, a former student contacted Bill during Teacher Appreciation Week. She explained to Bill how he had impacted her life because he believed in her and her abilities. She expressed that his extra help and guidance enabled her to begin to believe in herself. She related that he told her, "With just a little fine tuning, I feel you would become an excellent writer. Right now you are a diamond in the rough. We need to polish your style to bring about your brilliance." These are only a few of the many examples that illustrate Bill Kingsley's excellence in education. William's tenure in education always put Lorain and Lorain City Schools in a positive light.

Bill met his wife joy in 10* grade at Lorain High School. They have been married for 55 years. The Kingsleys have two sons and four grandchildren.