Brickey-McCloud Elementary School on Dry Gap Pike in North Knox County was recognized by the Knox County school board on August 3, 2026, as the only school in Tennessee to receive a Gold Star award from the National Association of Elementary School Principals.
Dr. Keith Wilson, assistant superintendent of academics, said 220 schools applied for this inaugural award and 57 were selected. The award, he said, was based on excellence in creating a strong school culture, empowering people and promoting connection with the school.
Dr. Susan Hutton was principal during the time the award application was compiled. She was assigned in July to be principal at Bearden Middle School and was replaced by Dr. Kristen Jackson at Brickey-McCloud.
Assistant principal Wes Adcock attended the NAESP conference July 13-15 at Disney World’s Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando to receive the award.
Dr. Hutton holds a Ph.D. in educational policy, planning and leadership from the College of William and Mary. Dr. Jackson holds degrees from Carson-Newman, LMU and a doctorate in instructional leadership (Ed.D.) from the University of the Cumberlands.
What put the Brickey-McCloud program on top? Let’s read from the application:
“Our motto is, ‘Today, tomorrow and always, let the learning begin!’ As a school community, we want our students to reach their fullest potential as responsible, lifelong learners who are considerate, contributing citizens and respectful of diversity. We work together to build a strong school-home partnership to ensure all students thrive.
“In addition to regular communication with families (e.g., weekly newsletters), we offer special events and activities, including STEAM nights, student-led conferences and family fun events such as Brickey Madness. These activities involve staff, students, families and community partners.
“Brickey Madness is one example of when all families are invited. Over the past few years, we have decided not to charge an admission fee so all students can attend. Activities for children are planned at no cost to families. Optional concessions and a silent auction raise funds instead.”
The report continues …
“During student-led conferences, students showcase for their families their learning and work throughout the year. Families have overwhelmingly appreciated the insight into their child’s development and the pride students exhibit as they lead the conference. We teach our students about having a growth mindset and model it as a staff. Student-led conferences were not in place until the 2022–2023 school year, so professional development and guidance were provided to support this endeavor. By using a growth mindset, teachers have implemented the conferences and refined them each year based on feedback.”
A “whole child” team meets at least monthly to monitor progress and plan for individualized students needs. Referrals by staff are based on academics, attendance or behavior. Each child’s data and supports are reviewed to develop an individual plan. Supports include assigning a mentor, conducting a home visit, providing incentives or implementing interventions.
Brickey-McCloud adopted a “house system” during the 2024-25 school year. The system helps foster relationships across grade levels and a stronger sense of belonging for students, staff and families.
KAUL delivers with Shoes for School
Kids at Saturday’s Shoes for School event
The need was greater this year, and the Knoxville Area Urban League delivered, as Shoes for School provided 1,800+ pairs of shoes, 2,500+ backpacks and school supplies to more than 3,300 children on August 8, 2026, at Covenant Health Park.
The impact of Shoes for School goes far beyond back-to-school basics. When students are prepared for school, they have a greater sense of stability and confidence. Having the supplies and essentials they need can boost self-esteem, help children feel more comfortable connecting with their peers, encourage them to speak up in the classroom and give them the confidence to perform at their best, said Lauren Miller, CEO of MoxCar Marketing.
“Our team worked closely with media sponsor WBIR Channel 10, its leadership and reporters, KAUL CEO Dr. Laurie Shanderson and the entire team to coordinate media interviews and coverage leading up to and throughout the event. WBIR helped shine a spotlight on this incredible community effort.”
In Memoriam
Don Atherton
Donald Price Atherton passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at age 77. Known by his former players and students as “Coach A,” Don dedicated 37 years as an educator and over 20 years as a high school and college basketball coach, most recently assisting with the Campbell County boys basketball team. He played both basketball and baseball at Cedarville University in Ohio and played two years of professional basketball in Australia. He ended his career with the Harlem Globetrotters. The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from noon to 2 p.m. at Demory Baptist Church in LaFollette. A celebration of life service will be held at 2.
Teacher drives on ‘Old Shakey’ to bring books to kids
Emma Ruth Catlett
Emma Ruth Elder Catlett, 104, of Kodak, Tennessee, passed away at her son’s home in Nashville on July 15, 2026. After attending Berry College and graduating from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, she served as a first- or second-grade teacher for over 20 years. She is legendary in Sevier County for her volunteer work with the Kodak Library. At 99 years of age, Emma Ruth was selected as Volunteer of the Year by the Friends of Tennessee Libraries for her decades of service to her library branch in Kodak. One of her proudest days was the opening of The Gilreath Family Library in Kodak in 2025. The children’s room was named for her as Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters declared it Emma Ruth Catlett Day. She was grand marshal of the Kodak Christmas Parade in 2022, riding with her car window open, waving to friends.
She wrote this on April 15, 2021:
“ … You have honored me by naming me Friend of the Year for 2020! At 99 years old my ability to do actual work is questionable but I can still use my voice and writing to help.
“My interest in a local library began the 2nd year I lived in Kodak, 1951. I taught second grade and discovered there were no books except the text books in our school. I drove to Sevierville to pick up a box, one for each child, once a month. After a short time, I realized the need was much greater. I inquired as to getting more. I was told I could have a box each week if I would come to Sevierville for them. This I did.
“At the time the bridge and Hwy. 66 were not built. I drove to Douglas Dam, crossed the one-lane bridge named ‘Old Shakey.’ It took almost 2 hours but it was worthwhile. So many of those children continued their schooling and some thanked me years later for instilling in them the desire to read.” — Emma Ruth Catlett
A memorial service will be held at Atchley Funeral Home in Sevierville on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 3 p.m. Visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m. The obituary is here.
Hank Niceley
Harvey Tarver Niceley Jr., known by most as “Hank,” passed away on August 2, 2026, at age 90. After graduating from Central High School in Knoxville, he went on to Carson-Newman College, graduating in 1957. He enrolled at Peabody College at Vanderbilt, studying art. He and his family returned to Jefferson County where he taught at Carson-Newman. He retired as chair of the art department. Being an avid traveler, he took groups of his students on art study tours throughout Europe. He loved traveling, seeing new places, different people and different ways of life. He had a deep appreciation for God’s beautiful world, and it gave him great joy to see it. With his wife and sons, he was able to visit all 50 states at least once, and he traveled on six of the seven continents. He published 12 books. A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 16, 2026, in the Fellowship Hall of First Baptist Church of Jefferson City. Friends may stay after the service and visit with the family.
Notes & quotes
Cars for Canines will be Saturday, August 22, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST at Melton Lake Park. Sponsored by Explore Oak Ridge, the classic car show will benefit Oak Ridge Animal Shelter and Anderson County Humane Society. Last year’s event raised $8,000. Food trucks, live entertainment, low-cost microchipping and rabies vaccinations. Free admission for spectators. Pets on leashes or in carriers welcomed.
Farragut Band Boosters yard sale will be Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 8 a.m. until noon at Farragut High School. Info on donations: kristin.ricciuto@farragutband.org/.
Cades Cove is vehicle-free on Wednesdays. Cycle or walk the 11.1-mile loop – sunrise to sunset. You are guaranteed to see stuff that you would never see from a car; plus, it’s easier to breathe.
Outdoor Knoxville lists hundreds of activities, many free, all outdoors.
Quote: What gets scheduled gets done. “The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” – Stephen R. Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
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Sandra Clark compiles obituary links and writes daily at KnoxTNToday – the Let’s Talk series includes topics of law, neighbors, schools, leaders and outdoors. Enjoyed this article? Read more Let’s Talk – Schools by Sandra Clark.
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