Bernard Lynn Hope was born on February 6, 1932. He came to Holt in 1943 and graduated from Holt High School in 1950. While he attended Holt High School he set a track record in the 220 yard dash with a time of 22.5 seconds, which is the oldest record in the books at HHS. He attended Central Michigan University. Those who knew him best called him Ben. Bernard and Marlene Hope had 8 children.

Hope’s brother Kenneth A. Hope was a Delhi Township Trustee for many years and an Ingham County Commissioner and on the Ingham County Road Commission. The “Kenneth A. Hope Soccer Complex” on Aurelius Road is named in his honor.

Ben Hope was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Lansing. He co-owned the Capitol Painting Company in Lansing. Hope was a 25-year member of the Brotherhood of Painters and Decorators Local No. 845. He was a member of the Lansing chapter of Painting and Decorating Contractors of America, and the Builder’s Exchange of Lansing.

Hope served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict with the Military Police. He was a member of the Buck Reasoner Post No. 238, American Legion of Holt. He was a charter member of the Holt Lions Club, and a past member of the Lansing Area Officials Association.

Ben Hope joined the Holt School Board of Education in 1963 and served for 17 years, 14 of which he was president. He was an avid promoter of improvement in the Holt School District. While Hope was president of the Holt Board of Education, many new wings of Holt High School were added, Wilcox Elementary School was built (1968) and the Junior High School was built (current HHS North Campus, 1975). He was a member of the Michigan Association of School Boards and the National Association of School Boards.

Bernard Hope passed away on April 27, 1980 – an immediate dedication was placed in the 1980 Holt High School Rampages yearbook and a plethora of dedications poured in from all those whose lives Ben Hope positively impacted. Holt Middle School, which Ben attended as Holt High School, was named in his honor in 1980. In 1982, the old portion of the building was demolished and an addition added to the back/north side. That school still operates as the Bernard L. Hope Middle School. 

Dr. Henry Sienkiewicz, HPS Superintendent 1978-1987, said “Mr. Hope was an exceptionally dedicated board member who had a deep and sincere concern for the Holt schools and the community. He was selfless in his approach, and few of us will ever know the full extent of his contributions.” Hope was on the Holt Board of Education with three Superintendents Pernert, Shebuski, and Sienkiewicz. Mr. Paul Jolly, HHS Principal 1974-1985, said “Mr. Hope was committed to Holt Public Schools and to the youth of our community. It has been our great fortune to have him serve as a member and President of the Holt Board of Education.”