Gwen McCarter stopped into Holy Land Market & Deli on Sutherland last week to be greeted by a surprise party only a few days shy of her 88th birthday!
The big shock, however, was the number of her former students who were present to thank her for the impact made on their lives as their sixth-grade teacher at Perkins Elementary School in the former Marble City community here in Knoxville.
When she realized the people came to celebrate her, she said, “Now my eyes are watering!”
Former student Glynda Goosie recalls, “I remember that she was my favorite teacher ever!!! I just love her so much and I’m thankful that she was a part of my childhood, by helping me to be a better person.”
Goosie remembers a morning routine of the Pledge of Allegiance, My Country Tis of Thee, daily prayer and a math chalkboard lesson plus reading always being turned into a mathematics problem. She did read a lot to them from those special books like Little House on the Prairie, Charlotte’s Web and others. Goosie remembers the teacher eating lunch with the class in the classroom as well as outside of the school and taking the students outside every day for recess to play kickball.
Ms. McCarter also was a servant by volunteering at St. Mary’s Hospital to love on patients and their families as she had loved on her students and their families. She is now involved in her church where she is being that special teacher again.
Goosie says, “If there was an award for the best teacher ever at Perkins Elementary School it should be given to Gwen McCarter!!!” I agree!
DAR Cavett Station celebrates patriots
The Cavett Station Chapter NSDAR, in partnership with Friends of Cavett Station, is proud to honor the military service of the veterans buried in Mars Hill Cemetery in a special ceremony on Saturday, April 8, at 10 a.m. at the cemetery.
Cavett’s Station historical marker
Access to the cemetery is from Cavet’s Station subdivision on Doublehead Lane. The chapter applied for and was awarded a DAR America 250 Celebration Grant for this ceremony.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a women’s service organization whose members can trace their lineage to an individual who contributed to securing American independence during the Revolutionary War.
The veterans of Mars Hill Cemetery fought in conflicts spanning the American Revolution to the Philippine- American War. Eight new military markers, which will be dedicated during the ceremony, have been installed to honor their service. A program detailing their service will also be held.
Mars Hill Cemetery at Historic Cavett Station is recognized by the Veterans Heritage Site Foundation through the Revolutionary War Veterans Graves Project. This event will also be supported by the West High School NJROTC Color Guard.
If you would like more information about this topic or DAR membership, please email the Regent of Cavett Station Chapter, Rachelle Gianaris at CavettStationDAR@gmail.com.
Notes
Forever His camp at Karns Church of Christ is completely free for children and adults with moderate to severe disabilities, but you must preregister to attend. It will be held at Karns Church of Christ on Saturday, April 15, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and includes songs, crafts, games, puppets, scavenger hunt, story time, karaoke and live animals. Every child will have personal “buddies” who will spend the day with them, taking care of any needs, and cheering them on throughout the activities! There are physicians, PAs, RNs, OT/PT/SLPs, and a host of church members anxious to make this the best day ever for our guests! Register here. Questions, call 865-691-7411 or email Kim Higginbotham: Higginbotham.kim@gmail.com
Tennis anyone? Aces & Ales is a relaxed, social tennis league for entry-level players. Participants play a few, friendly mixed doubles matches and then head to a nearby restaurant for more social time. This open league takes place on Thursdays, March 23-May 11, at Nicholas Ball Park Tennis Court from 6:30-8 p.m. Check out more and register here.
The UT Gardens, Knoxville, hosts annual summer camps for learners in various age groups. Camps are 8:30-3:30 Monday through Friday for ages 6-12. Contact the education coordinator, whitneyhale@tennessee.edu.
Susan Espiritu is the ultimate optimist who wants to share optimistic and entertaining stories about your neighbors! Send them to susan@knoxtntoday.com