| Sources |
- [S113] Manes Funeral Home, (http://www.manesfuneralhome.com), 11 Mar 2012.
Terrence Logan Stewart obituary
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 11 Feb 2014.
Tanner students recall days at historic school
EDITOR'S NOTE: The Tanner Preservation Alliance continues its work to rescue and preserve the historic Tanner School, one of the few Rosenwald Schools remaining in America. Many students of the institution used the knowledge and wisdom gained there as springboards for success in many areas of life. Many students chose to leave Cocke County and pursue their careers elsewhere, but took with them fond memories of their days at Tanner. One of these was Carrie Dawson Caldwell, who shares her story and memories today. In observance of Black History Month, the Tanner Preservation Alliance has shared these memories with us.
Dr. Kathy Dykes Sims
I attended Tanner School from 1963 until 1967, grades 1-4. One of my fondest memories of attending Tanner School was that even before I was of official school age, I would cry each morning and beg my mother, the late Elizabeth C. Dykes, to walk me across the "field" to Tanner School. (The field is where the CCHS football stadium is now located). Mom would walk me across the field, and I had my own special desk in my late aunt Nettie Sue Swagerty's classroom at Tanner, where she was a first grade teacher.
I remember enjoying Aunt Nettie Sue's daily instruction of reading and writing. Having learned to read at the age of three, I really enjoyed the "synchronized reading" class as we read from the book, Ted and Sally.
Another fond memory of Tanner that I have is of lunchtime. Nothing was more special than the real home-cooked meals prepared in the kitchen by some of the community's best cooks. Before every lunch meal, the entire class would have to "sing" our grace…
“God is good and God is great; And we thank Him for our food. Bow our heads, we all are fed, Give us ole Lord our daily bread. Amen.”
I also recall going to basketball games at Tanner and watching my late father, Roland Dykes, Jr., coach, and my older siblings, Roland, III, Stephanie, and Gary participate in sports.
It’s been almost 47 years since I graced the halls of Tanner School as a student, but I vividly remember these good times. There were so many who were instrumental in forming my educational background at Tanner School, and I am thankful for the support and guidance they provided me in my early formative years.
I truly believe that it was at Tanner School that my passion for learning and dream of becoming a teacher was envisioned. There was never a doubt in my mind of what I wanted to be when I grew up….a teacher!
Fast forward to 2014, and with over thirty-five years of experience in the educational arena, I am a former teacher, assistant principal, principal, supervisor, and currently serving in the role of a human resources professional as the Chief Human Resources for Knox County Schools, a position I have held for the past ten years. As Chief Human Resources Officer, I am responsible for the daily operations and management of Tennessee’s third largest school system’s human resources department, which employees over 8,500 employees. As Chief Human Resources Officer, I serve on the Superintendent’s Executive Team and Leadership Team.
A graduate of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, I hold a Bachelor of Science degree (1975) in elementary education, Master of Science degree (1984) in Educational Administration, and an Ed. D. (2005) in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.
In addition, I served as an adjunct professor at Lincoln Memorial University for three years before assuming the role of Chief Diversity Officer for Lincoln Memorial University.
My work as an educator has brought me many accolades: Career Ladder III Administrator; member of the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce Leadership Education Class (1994); and a “BEST” Award recipient from the Chamber of Commerce (1991); “Making it Happen” Award (2006); Recipient of the first Educator of the Year Award (2007), presented by Knoxville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc; Recipient of the 4th Annual Celebrate Our Success Award (2009) from the Cocke County Education Foundation; and a nominee for the YWCA Tribute to Women Award (2010); and recipient of the Professional of the Year Award (2010), presented by AHERN, Incorporated.
I also enjoy serving my community and have dedicated my time to the following organizations: Knox County Elementary Principals’ Association; Fundraising chairperson and Vice President of Knoxville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc; Vice-President of Shades of H. O. P. E. (Sisters Helping Others Pursue Excellence): Phyllis Wheatley Co-chairperson for the Charming Children’s Calendar fundraising project; and a member of the Hospitality, Usher Board, Capital Campaign Committee, and Trustee Board for Mount Calvary Baptist Church.
I am married to John Sims, a Knoxville native, and we have one daughter, Kristina Lauren, who teaches pre-school in the Knox County School System. One of my most prized possessions is my black lab dog, Bo, who I enjoy so much!
Although I am not an official “graduate” of Tanner School, I am a proud attendee of Tanner and am happy to submit this bio in support of the Black History Month Project of the Tanner Preservation Alliance.
|
Search | Advanced Search
, d. 11 May 2005, Wilson County, Tennessee