The Kannapolis Board of Education was proud to honor outstanding representatives from around the district at its October meeting.

Kannapolis Middle School

Brandon Ford – Brandon Ford brings many skills and gifts to Kannapolis Middle School.  He is outgoing and intelligent.  This means he frequently steps into the role of leading and guiding others.  He leads by example, both academically and in his interactions with others.  He is always respectful, motivated to learn, and willing to lend a helping hand.  He has clear goals and works hard to meet those goals.  We know those traits will serve him well.

Tristan Hoskie – Tristan Hoskie is the type of student that teachers love to have in class. He is kind and respectful to everyone.  He often asks if there is anything he can do to help out his teachers.  He is a hard worker and asks questions when he needs clarification.  He cares about his grades and will often email his teachers to see what he can do to bring up his already high grades. He is an honor roll student and member of the National Junior Honor Society. He is a model student both in academics and behavior.

Tara Thomas – Tara Thomas is a self-motivated parent and a pleasure to work alongside. She demonstrates superior leadership ability and completes tasks with exceptional quality. Tara fully understands the scope of projects, displays a keen attention to detail, and always has effective time management. Tara recently moved into the position of PTSO President and has dived right into the role. Despite the steep learning curve associated with a shift in the school's direction in the past, Tara is already showing great potential in her new position. She displays an ability to learn rapidly and a determination to make Kannapolis Middle School a better place.

Jorutha Griffin – Jorutha Griffin has been a substitute and a valuable part of our 6th Grade team. Over the past few weeks, she has been and remains accountable by attending scheduled team, grade-level and school-wide meetings.  Any training that assists in how she provides academic support or enhances her ability to develop significant relationships with students is taken advantage of.  Ms. Griffin additionally plans with the Science team to ensure that students are receiving instruction and materials that are accurate.  She currently team teaches throughout the week with another 6th grade teacher to further enhance learning and rigor.

Lakesha Parks – Lakesha Parks has been a substitute teacher for Kannapolis Middle School and has been a great addition to our school. Not only is she always willing to go above and beyond to ensure that the students are set up for success, her ability to multitask and help students in classrooms and during the day shows the awesome person that she is.

Katherine Christy – Ms. Christy is truly an asset to the transportation department. Each day she comes to work with a smile on her face that you can hear in her voice on the radio. Ms. Christy is always eager to assist in any way possible. When the person who announces "tomorrow is fuel day" for all the drivers retired last year, she quickly volunteered for the job. 

However, the thing that makes her a great bus driver is the care and concern she shows for all of her students. This year one of the middle school students assigned to her bus brought an interesting set of challenges with her. Katy quickly realized how special this young lady is. She immediately took her under her wing to make sure that she had the supports that she needed to be a successful bus rider. She helped her set daily behavior goals and they are working together on social skills to interact appropriately with both students and adults. Ms. Christy has even taken the time to have lunch with the student.

These are just a few of the many reasons that Katy Christy is recognized as an outstanding KCS employee.

Alisha Ryan – Alisha Ryan is one of the best additions to the Kannapolis Middle School. Her ability to multitask and still be smiling, no matter the situation, is something that she is admired for. Alisha is such a caring and supportive teammate with a heart gold. Alisha is not only a supportive coworker but is also hands-on with the children, and does an amazing job with them. She displays an awesome amount of positivity and a determination to make Kannapolis Middle School a better place while ensuring that everyone in the building is treated with kindness and respect.

Tiffany Green – Tiffany Green has been a part of the KMS 8th Grade Science Department for many years and has been an instrumental leader in their success. Not only does she bring a positive attitude and contagious smile to the building every single day, she leads her science classroom with deep content knowledge, engaging activities, and a commitment to help each student learn. This year, she has been extending her teaching expertise to classrooms beyond her own and looking for new and innovative ways to reach all students. She is a caring and supportive teammate, making sure both new teachers and experienced colleagues have what they need while also listening to new ideas and other perspectives.

The Board was also pleased to recognize the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month, Dawn Davis, P.E. teacher from Fred L. Wilson Elementary School.

Dawn Davis is a phenomenal and passionate Physical Education teacher at Fred L. Wilson Elementary.  The parent who nominated Ms. Davis feels “every kid needs a Coach Davis in their life to hype them up and model positive communication and healthy living.”  The parent went on to say, “in the classroom, Coach Davis makes every lesson fun, active and meaningful.  My child will come home and practice skills she learned in PE because she’s having fun and wants to meet her next personal or class goal.” 

In the building, Coach Davis is known as a team player, often taking an extra class in the gym when coverage is needed.  She is indispensable in the afternoon car rider line because she knows all the kids and their cars, making dismissal swift and smooth.  On Saturdays, she can often be seen on the sidelines of community soccer, T-ball, and football games cheering on her students because they’ve invited her to come watch them.  As the nominating parent attested, and we agree, “Coach Davis’ enthusiasm, smile, and positive attitude are contagious, and Fred L. Wilson is lucky to have her!”

Dawn, we’re extremely proud that you are a part of our KCS family and we appreciate the lengths to which you go to reach students!  We are delighted, on behalf of Hilbish Ford to present you with the Hilbish Ford Teacher of the Month Award.  Congratulations!

KCS Retirees

Andy Harris – Andy Harris is a wonderful Custodian at Kannapolis Middle School. He is dedicated to his work and always has a smile on his face.  Andy is willing to do anything that is requested of him and he looks for things that need to be done around the school. His care and thoughtfulness extend to students and staff alike.  Andy is patient and kind to all staff members and never hesitates to lend a helping hand.  He has the biggest heart and treats everyone at Kannapolis Middle School like family.  Andy enjoys a good YouTube video regarding traveling and loves to share about it.

Andy, thank you for all you have done for students and staff, both at Kannapolis Middle School and for KCS as a whole.  We hope you enjoy your retirement!