Willie Hughes' work celebrated

It’s Willie J. Hughes Day in the City of Albany!

So declared Mayor Kathy Sheehan on Friday. She, Sen. Neil Breslin, Assemblymember John McDonald and Superintendent Kaweeda G. Adams all lauded Hughes, a longtime school resource officer and current head of security at William S. Hackett Middle School, for his outstanding efforts on behalf of our community.

Breslin led the news conference praising Hughes and presented him with a framed Senate proclamation commemorating his distinguished service as a community volunteer, member of the Albany Police Department and an advocate for students and families at Hackett Middle School.

Hughes received an Assembly citation from McDonald and a city proclamation from Sheehan, as well as a proclamation from U.S. Congressman Paul Tonko, who could not attend the event.

Adams said it was an honor to work alongside Hughes.

“He walks the walk and talks the talk. He lives and breathes the expectations we have for our students,” she said.

Hughes’ daughter, colleagues, mentors and longtime friends were at the news conference. Hackett’s principal, assistant principal and home school coordinator also attended, along with retired Hackett security director Nelce Givens, who Hughes called a mentor. Several members of the Albany Police Department – “my brothers in blue” – were there, too, in addition to the pastor and fellow members of Sweet Pilgrim Baptist Church.

Hughes thanked his daughter and son, his Hackett and police colleagues and his church community members, calling them all unsung heroes. 

“I humbly accept this,” Hughes said.

Visit our district Facebook page to see more photos from the news conference. (You don't need a Facebook account to see the photos. A window may display the text, “To see more from Albany City Schools on Facebook, log on or create an account,” but you can dismiss it by clicking “not now.”)