At Knoxville Middle School, I sat down with three impressive women who are redefining what it means to nurture and empower young minds. Meet Sydney Ingle, Michelle McClay, and Terrah Myers—Knoxville graduates (‘09, ‘98, and ‘93) who now dedicate their days to helping the next generation thrive. They might carry different titles—counselor, assistant principal, and instructional coach—but they share a common goal: ensuring that Knoxville Schools are more than just an institution. Together, they are building an environment that feels like home.

Knoxville’s family vibe isn’t just a backdrop; it’s the very fabric that binds the community together. With Sydney, Michelle, and Terrah at the helm, Knoxville Schools have developed a way to combine academic rigor with heartfelt support, ensuring students feel valued and understood. And it’s no small feat. When asked what drew them to work with junior high students—those "in-betweeners" who are navigating the tricky path between childhood and young adulthood—each of them lights up. They see the magic in this age group: kids are starting to find their voices, develop their personalities, and figure out who they want to become.

Sydney confesses with a laugh that she once swore she’d never work in a junior high. “I thought it was too wild an age,” she admits. But now? She wouldn’t trade it for the world. “I like that with our district, I’m not just a counselor. I get to do so much more, from social-emotional lessons to building schedules. It’s like putting together a giant puzzle.” For Sydney, every day is a chance to support not only her students but also her colleagues, bridging gaps and solving problems as they come.

Then there’s Michelle McClay, the assistant principal who has served Knoxville Schools in almost every capacity—from second-grade teacher to high school foreign language instructor. Now, in her role as an administrator, Michelle combines her love for data with her passion for student growth. She’s the one setting growth goals, reviewing performance, and constantly finding ways to improve the school’s approach to education. "I get to see the big picture now," she says, "but I make sure I’m always close to the students. It’s the face-to-face connections that make this job worth it."

And Terrah Myers, the RTI (Response to Intervention) instructional coach, is the district’s “data guru.” With a mind wired for math and analysis, Terrah dives into Knoxville’s data with gusto, finding gaps and crafting solutions tailored to the needs of each student. “Numbers don’t lie,” she says with a smile. But she doesn’t just see numbers; she sees potential. Terrah’s work is all about making sure that Knoxville Schools address every student’s unique needs, whether they require extra help or are ready for more advanced challenges. With “WIN” (What I Need) time, Knoxville has created a space where every student gets the individualized attention they deserve—a simple yet powerful concept that reflects the district’s commitment to each child.

It doesn’t hurt that each of them has deep roots in Knoxville. They’ve raised children here, shopped at the local stores, and watched the town grow and change over the years. “It’s a close-knit community,” says Sydney. “We know each other, and we know the families of the kids we work with. It makes calling home about student progress a lot easier when you know their parents, too.”

For Knoxville residents, knowing that these women have chosen to invest in their hometown school district is a point of pride. And the district, in turn, has invested in them. Whether it’s Knox College students visiting to inspire younger kids or Carl Sandburg College supporting the arts, Knoxville has created a network of resources that allows its students to thrive. “We might be a small town, but we have big opportunities,” Michelle points out. “And we’re always looking for new ways to support our students.”

So what’s the secret sauce that makes Knoxville Schools special? It’s the blend of heart and dedication, the willingness to dive into data without losing sight of the people behind the numbers. It’s the daily commitment of people like Sydney, Michelle, and Terrah, who see each child not just as a student, but as a future Knoxville leader, neighbor, and friend. In a world that often forgets the importance of community, Knoxville Schools are showing that success is best measured not only in test scores but in the strength of the relationships that make everything possible.