Kingsport City Schools Media Advisory/Photo Opportunity

Published July 27, 2015 at 12:05 p.m.

WHAT: Inaugural Class of KCS Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

WHEN: Tuesday, July 28 at 11 a.m.

WHERE: Toy F. Reid Eastman Employee Center, 400 South Wilcox Drive, Kingsport, TN 37660

Kingsport City Schools will recognize and induct the first three members of the inaugural class of the Kingsport City Schools Hall of Fame, during the back to school teacher Convocation event on Tuesday. Established as the keystone award for former employees, the KCS Hall of Fame recognizes those individuals that have most impacted the Kingsport educational community during their careers with KCS. 

The inaugural class elected to the KCS Hall of Fame includes:

Mrs. Virgealia (Jill) Ellis.  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.  Mrs. Ellis was elected in the Modern Era category (retired post-1990).

Mr. Charles (Charlie) Herron.  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.  Mr. Herron was elected in the Modern Era category (retired post-1990).

Mrs. Wanda McJunkin.  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.  Mrs. McJunkin was elected in the Tradition category (retired 1960-1990).

The 2015 Induction Ceremony will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2015 at 11 a.m. in the Toy F. Reid Eastman Employee Center (400 South Wilcox Drive, Kingsport).  The ceremony is open to the public and free to attend.

Kingsport City Schools (KCS) is a public school district located in Kingsport, Tenn., serving students in Sullivan and Hawkins county. The district is comprised of 13 schools, including a Pre-K, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school and a non-traditional school; with total enrollment over 7,100 students. The vision of Kingsport City Schools is to be, Student Focused … World Class.

KCS has been named the top school district in Tennessee as winner of the 2014 SCORE Prize District Award by the State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) and has earned the 2014 Achievement Award in the annual Excellence in Tennessee Recognition Program by the Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence (TNPCE).

For more information on KCS, visit k12k.com, listen live on WCSK 90.3 FM, The Voice of KCS, read our blog, We Are KCS, or call (423) 378.2100. We’re social too; follow us on Facebook (Kingsport City Schools), Twitter (@KCS_District) and check out our YouTube Channel (KPTSchools).

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