APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Nearly three years after his death, Ronald Dunlap’s legacy lives on at the school he called home for 16 years.
“Ron’s vision will carry us forward into the future, making things better for all of our students,” Yvette Dunlap, Ron Dunlap’s widow said.
After Dunlap’s death in 2019, a committee was formed and tasked with memorializing the leadership of the long-time, Black educator.
The renaming of the former Lincoln Elementary School was a project three years in the making.
“It wasn’t always easy,” Yvette said. “And I’m going to tell you honestly, I wasn’t always happy. And I will tell you honestly, I wasn’t always positive.”
Yvette was in Appleton Monday to pay tribute to her late husband and thank the people who made it possible. She tells FOX 11 the process was long, but the result is worth it.
“This is not simply Ron’s name on a sign or on a school but an opportunity for me, an opportunity for the community, to carry his work forward.”
She was joined by principal Bill McClone.
McClone said he, like many others at the event, had a close relationship with Dunlap.
“When I first came into the district as an administrator, I was over at Badger Elementary. He took me under his wing, mentored me, talked to me.”
He says Dunlap’s leadership helped him out at a time when he was a young and inexperienced administrator.
“His guidance and mentorship and leadership really helped me shape who I am today as a principal, and I still carry a lot of those things with me today.”
Dunlap was also known for his service in the community. Those close to him say he worked hard to achieve inclusivity and respect for all.
“He impacted everybody, especially minorities,” McClone said. “Ron was just such a welcoming person and such a caring person that everyone felt comfortable talking with him.”
The dedication ceremony comes less than two weeks before kids will come back for the first day of school on Sept. 1.
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