Service Award inductee, "Big Mike" Lucero began his East High security guard career in 1973 when the student body numbered in excess of 1,500 students. Through the years, Big Mike interacted with both staff and students in such a way as to make each and every person feel that he/she was an important part of the school's scene.

Lucero was known to be a caring person who was always available to students in their time of need. Even though he never finished college - he never pretended that an education was not important. His rapport with students was remarkable. He truly cared about each and every student, regardless of their economic status or family background. For students that were in need of extra attention, he often took them "under his wing." He truly was a mentor to these young people.