Submitted by Charlie Napier
As a young man, I, Charles Edward Napier,knew I would head to the
classroom when I graduated high school in 1967. The big factor for me was my
poor economic status that may not allow me to make it in the doors of a
college. Jean Gentry, guidance counselor at Brodhead High School, alertly
pointed me to Charles Eddie Hurt. With those two on my team, I would start
my journey never to look back until now. I graduated in 1971 from Eastern
Kentucky University. I had to pinch myself to see if it was real.
Needing a job to keep from starving, I asked Charles B. Parsons if he
thought I could get a job. He said if I would take Johnetta in Brushcreekfor
one year and stay, I was in. In getting this job, history was already in the
making. This would be the last year for the one school in Rockcastle County
and the first year of my 33 year career.
I had thirteen students, and I want ever forget any of them. When I
took over, I was the teacher, principal, PE teacher, cook, janitor, and
health nurse. It didn't take long to know I needed lots of help. You know it
wouldn't come from school, but it came from the children. The oldest girls
told me one day they could cook us a good meal if I would give them a try. I
was hungry too... Vickie, Eva, Pam, and Elaine kept the lunch program in
great shape. Since there were four grades, we decided that working in some
common areas like spelling and English would serve everyone best. So we had
hands on learning even back then. The boys kept water carried up since our
supplies were tainted with heating oil. Here we had one of America's finest
ONE SCHOOL'S and A PATH. Yes, we had two outside toilets. I see these
students often as most of them live in the area. My fifth grader has been my
family doctor since the beginning of her practice. Dr. Karen Bullock Saylor
is one of Rockcastle's very best family doctors. This is enough to give any
teacher a since of pride. Today at my house you'll find a 16 X 24 picture of
this school. My journey will rest here a spell, but we'll be back.
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