When you step into retirement, it is hard to describe the impact that you had on those around you—especially for longstanding LFHS teacher and coach, Mr. Clegg. Whether in the classroom instructing economics and psychology, or on the track pushing athletes to their capabilities, Mr. Clegg has shaped LFHS in more than just one way.

Starting at LFHS in 1993 after earning his masters degree from the University of Michigan, Mr. Clegg’s introduction wasn’t what many would expect considering his involvement now. 

Clegg’s first beginning at Lake Forest High School was at West Campus the summer of ‘93, through coaching the boys soccer team. That fall, he began teaching Economics and AP Economics. Over the years, he expanded his course load with Psychology and other social science classes, as well as coaching a variety of sports.

Before he started teaching, Clegg never thought of entering the profession. With an undergraduate degree in economics and political science, he once thought of a career in law.

“I never really thought about teaching until well after I got out of college. It was actually through coaching at a local high school when I realized that I really enjoyed working with high school students, and then I decided I wanted to go into teaching,” said Clegg.

What stands out most about Mr. Clegg’s presence at the high school is the breadth of his impact. Beyond the classroom, he has influenced new courses, and left a mark on the Girls Track and Field team. 

“Mr. Clegg is super dedicated as a coach, he puts a lot of time and thought into our workouts, and effort into how we compete in races. He cares about his athletes and how they perform, but also offers support as a coach, and understands balance especially with him being a teacher. What sets him apart most is his commitment and passion as a coach,” said senior Track and Field member, Pilar Rosales.

With his coaching career beginning in the spring of ‘94, he has made lasting impacts on those he’s trained through the years.

Known for his quick wit and enthusiasm for the sport, his mentoring style is memorable. Senior captain of the Track and Field team, Jasmine Scott, has had the privilege of working with Clegg during her four years at LFHS, which also marks Mr. Clegg’s final year teaching.

“I don’t know if Mr Clegg knows it but he is one of my favorite people. One of my favorite memories was at a cross country meet—his favorite saying was something along the lines of “you got it kid”. I was mocking Clegg in a funny voice, but it turned out he was walking behind me. He asked me what I’d like him to cheer for me during the race. I told him to shout “get sendy!” and he stuck to it. By the end of the race I made a PR of 40 seconds and became the team’s 7th runner. I feel like it was truly because of his cheering and positivity which carried me and made me happy to run,” said Scott.

Further than his clever humor, Mr. Clegg champions each runner’s win as his own. 

“Clegg really loves to celebrate with his athletes and will be the first person to congratulate you on success. A few weeks ago at a meet I came off the track and immediately checked to see what time I ran. I got 2nd place and had a really good PR so I immediately texted Mr. Clegg on Remind, and he just replied “I saw it when it came through!!! Boom….” it just shows how invested he is in the program,” said Scott. 

As he prepares for retirement, he leaves behind not just a legacy of exceptional economics teaching, but also a lasting impact as a colleague and friend of Mr. Gregory Simmons.

Students in economics at LFHS know that this powerhouse duo is driven by a shared commitment to excellence and hard work in the course design. The duet incorporates engaging themes into units to spark students’ interests while connecting lessons to real-world applications. But, this is not done without strategic intent.  

“Mr. Clegg is extremely hardworking. I don’t know how many people realize this, but he is one of the first people in the building in the morning, and his car is often one of the last to leave the parking lot in the evening.  On top of that he is always at LFHS for hours on one of the weekend days making copies, grading and lesson planning,” said Mr. Simmons.

His high expectations set him apart as an educator. He challenges students to strive for more while encouraging colleagues to do the same, with care and empathy.

“Probably one of the biggest lessons I needed to learn when I first came to LFHS is the importance of having high standards, and not allowing the rigor to decrease.  We learn and grow through effort and challenge. There is nothing meaningful that comes without it,” said Mr. Simmons. “That said, it is so important to make the class fun.  Having themes, games and activities that support the material are all things that Mr. Clegg has brought to the classroom.”

Beyond his own students, he consistently offers support across the school, but specifically in the Social Studies department. He helps foster a positive environment in the classroom and department, and motivates those around him to achieve their best.

“Mr. Clegg has high expectations for students and truly believes they can succeed. He backs that up by putting in the work to support them. Those values have helped shape our department, even as education trends have come and gone over the years,” said Social Studies department head, Stephen Dunn.

Even in his final semester, Mr. Clegg continues to refine his teaching, reflecting his commitment to both his students, and the integrity of the Social Studies department at LFHS. 

“Mr. Clegg has never been one to settle when it comes to his teaching. He’s always tweaking his lesson plans and refining his assessments. This mindset is so ingrained that it’s become second nature to him. Even in his final semester, he’s still making improvements. This is a mindset that we have all adopted largely due to his example,” said Dunn.

Interestingly, Mr. Clegg is not the only Clegg in the building; Dean of Students Laura Clegg also works at LFHS, and the two experience the uniqueness of sharing the same workplace. Although they are not physically close, with Mr. Clegg on the 3rd floor and Mrs. Clegg on the 1st, the two still have value in being in the same building. 

Contrary to popular belief, the two did not meet at LFHS. They first crossed paths in July of 1999, when at the time Mrs. Clegg lived in the Seattle area and was working the summer at a winery giving tours. Mr. Clegg was visiting some college roommates, one of which lived in Seattle. He and his friends came and took a tour of the winery, and that’s when their story began.  

Years later, when a Business Teacher at LFHS quit in the middle of the year, the district was looking for a replacement. With the correct requirements, Mrs Clegg stepped into the role, and The couple soon found themselves working under the same roof.

“The really cool thing is that I do get to see the impact he has on students and staff first hand. I don’t think many married couples have that and for that I feel lucky,” said Mrs. Clegg. “I also coach with him and I love that time together and being able to see his wealth of knowledge when it comes to events like the pole vault and high jump, but even more so that he tries to make the sport fun for every level of athlete.”Mrs. Clegg credits much of his impact to his passion. Mrs. Clegg being able to see this first hand, explains that his enthusiasm is what makes his classroom experience so memorable. “He truly does love the subject and that comes across in everything he does in the classroom. There may be some people out there that find Economics boring but he spices it up with themes like the 80s, 90s, or Star Wars.” said Mrs. Clegg.

Students also find his teaching style and real world lessons to leave an impact. “Working in class here with Mr. Clegg has been an awesome experience. I have learned so much from him teaching and it has been even better because it is his last year of teaching. He has been a great teacher overall,” said senior AP economics student, Aedan Cassidy.

Following retirement, Mr. Clegg hopes to continue coaching for LFHS. Alongside the fact that Mrs. Clegg will remain at Lake Forest for the next few years; he plans to stay involved in various ways, demonstrating true Scout pride. 

He describes the transition as unusual. Rather than feeling “burned-out” he finds his final weeks at the high school deeply fulfilling, and anticipates the strangeness of not returning in the fall.

“I don’t have a countdown clock, and I don’t really think too much about it. I don’t feel like I’m necessarily ready to retire. It more just makes sense to do it (retire)- it’s not because I’m burnt out, or I can’t wait to get out of here,” said Clegg.

Clegg credits much of his experience to the people around him, including colleagues in the social studies department, the professionalism at LFHS, and the opportunity to work alongside his wife. These are among the things he will miss most

Hard work, dedication, good humor, humility, and teamwork define Mr. Clegg as an educator, coach, and colleague. These qualities have shaped his own success, but also left a lasting impact on everyone around him. His influence will continue to be felt, serving as a standard for excellence at LFHS.