As we celebrate Black History Month, we are reminded that history is not just a reflection of the past, it is something that we create every day. The contributions of Black leaders, educators, and change-makers have shaped our world, yet their impact extends far beyond the pages of history books. In Lancaster, we are fortunate to have leaders within our own community who embody the spirit of resilience, service, and commitment to uplifting others.
While national figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Sojourner Truth, and Shirley Chisholm have paved the way for progress, it isO equally important to recognize local Black leaders whose dedication and service directly impact our community.
Troia Butcher is one of those leaders. A McCaskey graduate, daughter of the esteemed Rev. Dr. Louis and Katie Butcher, community advocate, and IT professional, she embodies the spirit of giving back, ensuring that students today receive the same support, encouragement, and opportunities that helped shape her journey.
A Journey Rooted in Community
Troia’s story is one of deep community ties. Born and raised in Lancaster, she attended Higbee (now King Elementary), Wickersham, Edward Hand (now Jackson Middle School), and ultimately graduated from McCaskey in 1986. Like so many of our students today, she grew up surrounded by a network of educators, mentors, and community leaders who saw her potential and pushed her to succeed.
Among those who influenced her path were Buddy Glover, Casey Jones, and Papa Boots—figures who served as more than school administrators. They were surrogate fathers, role models who instilled discipline, self-worth, and a vision for what was possible beyond the walls of McCaskey.
“Not everyone can leave,” Casey Jones once told her. “Someone has to stay and invest in the community.”
At the time, Troia didn’t fully understand the weight of those words. She, like many young people, wanted to explore life beyond her hometown. But as the years passed, she realized that coming home—giving back—was not just an option, but a calling.
Her decision to work for the School District of Lancaster was deeply personal. When she saw a job posting for Mobile Device Management Supervisor, she knew it was an opportunity to honor those who poured into her life. By ensuring that students and teachers have access to functioning technology, she plays a behind-the-scenes role in supporting learning, access, and opportunity for thousands of young minds.
More Than IT: The Power of Representation
For many, IT professionals are often seen as tech-savvy individuals working in the background, fixing problems without much interaction with students. But for Troia, her role is about more than just technology, it’s about visibility and impact.
In a field where Black women remain underrepresented, Troia understands the importance of being seen. “I tell people all the time, before I even open my mouth, people see two things: I am Black, and I am a woman.” She embraces that reality, knowing that for many students, simply seeing someone who looks like them in a leadership role can be transformative.
One moment that stood out to her was when she worked with students in the robotics program, many of whom were English language learners. Their iPads weren’t functioning properly, limiting their ability to participate in the program. Troia and her team quickly resolved the issue, and what happened next left a lasting impact.
“The way their faces lit up when everything started working—it was incredible. They were finally able to do what they had been so excited about. And in that moment, I saw the difference we make.”
For Troia, these moments remind her that her work extends beyond technology. It’s about ensuring that every child—regardless of background—has the tools to succeed. It’s about reinforcing the message that Black excellence isn’t just something to be celebrated during Black History Month, but every single day.
The Weight of Black History: A Personal Reflection
For Troia, Black history cannot be confined to a single month. She acknowledges the frustration that comes with seeing Black contributions relegated to just 28 days in February when Black history is American history—365 days a year.
“We didn’t accomplish everything in just the month of February,” she says. “We’ve been building, contributing, and shaping society all year, every year. And yet, our stories are often reduced to just a few names—Dr. King, Rosa Parks, maybe Harriet Tubman.”
She emphasizes the importance of learning about the full breadth of Black history—not just the well-known figures, but also local heroes like Carter & MacRae, Ms. Jackson, and Miss Mozan, who dedicated their lives to empowering students.
She names Sojourner Truth as one of her greatest inspirations. A leader in both the abolitionist and women’s rights movements, Truth fought for equality at a time when Black women were often erased from history.
“She doesn’t get the same recognition as Susan B. Anthony,” Troia notes. “But she should—because she was the voice of so many who were unheard.”
But beyond the well-known icons, Troia also cherishes the unsung heroes of Lancaster—people like Miss Hazel Jackson, Miss Mozan, and Miss Perry, educators and community leaders who held students to high standards, demanding excellence and refusing to accept mediocrity.
Their impact, much like that of Troia’s own ancestors, continues to shape the community. “We don’t have the same ability to trace our lineage the way other cultures do. But what we do have is the legacy of those who came before us, and the responsibility to pass that knowledge down to the next generation.”
The Power of Passing the Baton
As Troia approaches her first full year at SDoL, she takes immense pride in the work her team has accomplished. This past summer, they successfully deployed nearly 2,860 new iPads to rising second, sixth, and ninth graders—a massive undertaking that ensured students had the technology they needed to start the school year strong.
But beyond technology, her greatest accomplishment is the impact she makes on people. Whether it’s supporting her staff, mentoring a student, or simply being a visible presence in a field where Black women are underrepresented, she understands that her work is about legacy.
“I’m here because others poured into me,” she says. “Now it’s my turn to pour into the next generation.”
At the School District of Lancaster, we recognize that history is not just something we study—it is something we create. The leaders of tomorrow are sitting in our classrooms today, and with role models like Troia, they are reminded that their dreams are valid, their potential is boundless, and their voices matter.
So, as we celebrate Black History Month and beyond, let us not only reflect on the past but also uplift the present, honoring those who continue to shape the future, one student, one lesson, and one act of service at a time.
And as Troia often says, borrowing the words of Angela Bassett’s Queen Ramonda in Black Panther:
“Show them who you are.”