The start of a new year also brings the opening of nominations for the Kingsport City Schools Hall of Fame.  The Hall serves as the keystone award for former KCS employees that have significantly impacted the children and educational community of Kingsport.  Now in it’s third year, KCS is seeking outstanding nominees to be recognized.

Were you positively impacted by an outstanding educator while you were a KCS student?  Was your child’s life touched by a wonderful bus driver, cafeteria worker, assistant, or custodian?  Did you see how an effective administrator made a difference in a child’s future?  The KCS Hall of Fame serves to honor ALL employee types, and you can help nominate these worthy employees!

Click here to learn all about the Hall and to nominate a deserving employee for this year’s class.  Please consider who you might want to bring forward for this great honor.  Nominations for this year’s class will be taken online or by mail through May 1, 2017.

Who has already been inducted into the KCS Hall of Fame?  This week, the Saturday Six (plus 1!) looks at the wonderful inductees from the first two HOF classes.

1. Mrs. Virgealia (Jill) Ellis (2015) – Modern Era Category (Retired post-1990)
   • Mrs. Ellis retired from KCS in 1992 after 38 years of service at Douglass High School, Dobyns-Bennett High School, and Kingsport Adult Education.  During her tenure, she served as a teacher, guidance counselor, and as a district Career Ladder program evaluator.  A pillar in the community, Mrs. Ellis was recognized for her positivity, humility, and service as a role model.
2. Mr. Charles (Charlie) Herron (2105) – Modern Era Category (Retired post-1990)
   • Serving as the Ross N. Robinson Middle School Band Director for 34 years, Charlie Herron retired from Kingsport City Schools in 2008.  Mr. Herron is widely recognized as being a key figure in the development and excellence of the KCS band program.  Known for his skill as a music educator, Herron emphasized commitment to musicianship and a willingness to work together to achieve excellence.
3. Mrs. Wanda McJunkin – Tradition Era Category (Retired 1960-1990)
   • Affectionately known by her students as “Mrs. Mac,” Mrs. McJunkin joined KCS in 1949, retiring after 33 years of service at Jackson Elementary and John Sevier Middle School.  McJunkin worked as a long-time physical education and health instructor, as well as the sponsor of the cheerleading squad.  Known for the positive connections she made with students, Mrs. McJunkin was widely regarded as an outstanding classroom teacher, encourager, and motivator.
4. Mrs. Margaret Bays -Modern Era Category (Retired post-1990)
   • Mrs. Bays retired from KCS in 2010 after more than 58 years in education, 30+ of those years with Kingsport City Schools. During her tenure, Mrs. Bays taught music to thousands of students at Johnson Elementary School. In retirement, she has continued to be involved with music activities at many schools, including volunteering her time and attending district meetings or workshops. Widely known in the field of music education, Mrs. Bays is recognized for her dedication in teaching music, appreciation for its art and skill, and application of musical knowledge to life outside the classroom.
5. Ms. Elizabeth “Lib” Dudney -Tradition Era Category (Retired 1960-1990)
   • Ms. Dudney retired from KCS in 1985 after serving as a science teacher at both Sevier Junior High and Dobyns-Bennett High School. She also served as sponsor for many clubs and coached girls’ athletic teams. Identified by her students as a creative teacher who made science “a wonderland of curiosity and adventure,” Ms. Dudney was zealous about offering students the best opportunities available to expand their horizons. In her retirement, she was elected to the Kingsport Board of Education, serving in leadership roles as both vice president and president. She also led fundraising efforts to build the D-B Alumni Fieldhouse, a $3 million venture.
6. Mr. William “Bill” Hull -Modern Era Category (Retired post-1990)
   1. Serving as a teacher of English, Bible literature, and journalism, Mr. Hull also coached football and Scholars Bowl teams, retiring in 2009. Thirty-nine years of his 42 years as an educator were spent at Dobyns-Bennett High School. In 2004, Hull received the Excellence Award from the National Council of Teachers of English for his service at KCS. Hull was widely recognized as an educator who truly cared for his students, who believed in their ability to achieve, and who inspired all students to “keep working and moving forward.”
7. Mr. Cecil Puckett – Tradition Era Category (Retired 1960-1990)
   • Mr. Cecil “Coach” Puckett joined KCS in 1957 after coaching in other districts and serving in the Armed Forces. Coach Puckett taught and coached at Sevier and Robinson Junior Highs, as well as Dobyns-Bennett High School. In addition, he served as KCS Activities Director for a number of years and coached little league baseball and softball through Eastman’s summer program. A gifted athlete and decorated D-B graduate, Coach Puckett instilled in each student the values of integrity, perseverance, and giving ones’ personal best in all endeavors. He is known as a man who set high moral standards for students and peers to follow, and one who quietly taught and led by example.