It is with great privilege and respectful recognition that we, alumni of the Madison Metropolitan School District, propose the renaming of James Madison Memorial High School in honor of the late Mrs. Darlene M. Hancock. As MMSD’s first African American female Principal, Mrs. Hancock began her impactful career of 20 years as a leader in MMSD as a grade level principal at Memorial High School. Throughout her dedicated and heartfelt impact on the Madison community, Mrs. Hancock always had a heart for the children she served, and was dedicated to their education and to helping each child have a stronger sense of self.

Darlene M. (nee Stripling) Hancock was born on June 5th, 1933, in Garrison, TX, and passed away on June 12th, 2012, in Madison, WI. As valedictorian of her senior high school class in Oklahoma City, Darlene demonstrated a life-long dedication to excellence instilled in her by her parents, the late Joseph A. and Alleen (nee Truitt) Stripling. While in college, Darlene met Allen A. Hancock, and they were united in marriage in 1950. They had one son, Jerome L. Hancock, two grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. 

Darlene’s first job was as a second grade teacher at Garden Oak Elementary in Oklahoma City, OK. Upon moving to Michigan City, IN, Darlene taught first grade and also served as a counselor at a local senior high school. Later she became an administrator of the junior high school. While living in Michigan City, Darlene was selected as a member of the Speakers Bureau for the state of Indiana. In July of 1974, Allen and Darlene moved to Madison, WI, and she was appointed grade level Principal of Memorial High School. She later became assistant Principal at Lincoln Middle School, followed by tenth grade Principal at East High School. In 1983, she became Principal at Glenn W. Stephens Elementary School. As the principal at Glenn W. Stephens, Mrs. Hancock was the ‘coach’ of the team, and found roles for everyone to play in the education of the children. She consistently and creatively cultivated family involvement, and immersed her staff in hands-on professional development involving African American History.

Mrs. Hancock was an invited speaker for many church events, civic organizations, and other community organizations. As a charter member of the Madison Metropolitan Chapter of LINKS, Inc., Mrs. Hancock organized the Links’ first Student Achievement Award Services for minority students, and it continues to grow annually. In 1986, Mrs. Hancock was an organizer, founding and charter member of S.S. Morris Community A.M.E. Church. As a member of S.S. Morris she was a guarantor Trustee, Sunday School Teacher, and Steward Board member. Mrs. Hancock was a Charter member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Kappa Psi Omega chapter, and remained an active Life member. In addition, she was a active member of the following organizations: A faithful orchid Tops in Service-Top Ladies Of Distinction member, the Tax Assessment Board in Madison, WI, the Black Hawk Girl Scout Counsel, the Mayor's Human Relations Counsel, Superintendent of the Human Relations Commission, and Advisory Commission on Minority Women.

In 1993, Mrs. Hancock received the YWCA Racial Justice Award. Mrs. Hancock received an award for exemplary performance and contribution from The Wisconsin Minority Women's Network Inc. She also received the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Heritage award, and the 100 Black Men's Outstanding Educator award for service.

In 2008, Mrs. Hancock established the Allen A. Hancock Fellowship Hall at S. S. Morris Community Church. Dedicated in December of 2010 and opened in January 2011, the Instructional Resource Center Tutoring Program was established that helps to tutor minority children of all ages.

In 2009, Mrs. Hancock received The Reverend James C. Wright Human Rights Award, in honor of the late Reverend James C. Wright who served as Executive Director of the Equal Opportunities Commission from its inception in 1968 until his retirement in 1992. The award is given to an individual who best exemplifies the Rev. Wright's dedication and compassion for civil and human rights and conducts their daily life consistent with these values. In her nomination, it was stated that “Mrs. Hancock is committed to making a difference.”

In closing, we recognize the prior proposals submitted on behalf of the renaming of James Madison Memorial High School in honor of the late Vel Phillips, and in honor of the late Bruce Dahmen, respectfully.

We sincerely appreciate your taking into consideration our proposal of renaming James Madison Memorial High School in honor of the late Mrs. Darlene M. Hancock. Mrs. Darlene M. Hancock was a champion for young people and their education. Her life-long actions reflect how adamant Mrs. Hancock felt that all children should have an opportunity to pursue higher education. In recognition of the exponential impact she made on each student in her life, the impact of renaming James Madison Memorial High School to Darlene M. Hancock Memorial High School demonstrates an intentional, inclusive centering of MMSD’s local educators and leaders. As educators and leaders who thrived under Mrs. Hancock’s leadership as students, we thoroughly recognize how doing so could exponentially impact future generations of educators and leaders within MMSD, our greater Madison community, and beyond.