KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Kingsport City Schools has announced its 2015 Class of the KCS Hall of Fame.  Established as the keystone award for former employees, the 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 know 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 three individuals elected in the first class of the KCS Hall of Fame truly exemplify strong personal characteristics, unwavering commitment to education, and selfless dedication to thousands of students,” said Dr. Lyle Ailshie, KCS Superintendent.  “Kingsport City Schools is privileged to have these educators as members of the inaugural Hall of Fame class.  They are truly the ‘best of the best’ and their legacy will continue to honor and challenge both current and future educators.”

Currently in its inaugural year, the KCS Hall of Fame was established to honor and recognize those individuals that have made significant contributions to Kingsport City Schools and its students, celebrate the excellence of KCS and its employees, preserve the history of the district, and promote the positive values of Kingsport City Schools, its employees, and its students. 

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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