OUR FLAGSHIP PROGRAM

CURRENT CLASS

My vision for Knoxville in ten years is that as city and county residents, we will reflect and refine the positive qualities of our city, while reimagining how we become more focused, united, and committed as a collective community to invest monetarily, respond morally, and adjust mindsets to ensure that we grow and maintain strong thriving communities in every zip code and among every demographic represented. Achieving this vision is possible, but must be intentional to identify shared common goals that impact the quality of life in Knoxville for all citizens, leaders, families and people relocating here. Knoxville must provide opportunities in every zip code for all people to progress economically, expand workforce, earn fair liveable wages, have equitable resources for basic needs, affordable housing, and access to quality public school education for pre-K, K-12, and post secondary options. Lastly, my prayerful hope is that we will preserve and trust our greatest asset, which is the power and collective impact of the “volunteer” spirit. The volunteer spirit that I know and love is displayed as service to others, willingness to sacrifice for the greater good, and to unapologetically strive to show value, belonging, respect, and understanding for the diversity of our city and its people that are natives and that choose to live, work, worship and play in Knoxville.

Strong sense of community, resilience, and solution focused. Knoxville has compassionate and caring people with huge hearts to help and serve others, especially those in crisis, disadvantaged or in great need.

"Bloom where I am planted." Seek to make a positive difference in every situation you find yourself in. I strive to purposefully utilize and offer my knowledge, experiences, exposures, skills, and influence to educate, equip and empower people and places to be better and do better for themselves, others and their community.

My time as a KCS student, attending and graduating from Austin-East High School, and changing career paths to work and serve as a KCS educator, counselor, assistant principal, and to principal my high school has truly been transformative.

My favorite book is the Bible and my Jesus Calling devotional. The book currently on my nightstand is "The Let Them Theory" by Mel Robbins. I just got it and can't wait to start it!

One of the best pieces of advice I received from a mentor and former high school English and French teacher, LaRoyce Beatty. I was going to change from Honors English to regular English to take the easier class. Ms. Beatty would not allow me to change and gave me this powerful advice, "Do not take the easy road, playing small and performing under your potential. Where much is given, much is required. So freely give others out of the 'much' you have been given. You will be better for it and so will they!"

Give and serve yourself as well and at the level that you serve others.