Women's History Month: Educator praised for being a 'champion for children'
Lisa Childress (in red) is joined by (left to right) her sister, Suzanne, her aunt, Rennie, and her sister, Kathy.
{Kassaundra Shanette Lockhart/Davidson Local}
Originally published August 2, 2021
When Lisa Childress arrived at Bull City Ciderworks (BCC) on the afternoon of June 30, she did so under the disguise of having a moment to unwind with a friend to celebrate her retirement. However, what she encountered was a group of co-workers, friends, former colleagues, family and students who’d all gathered to offer a collective thank you for her 37 years of service to the students, family and staff of Lexington City Schools (LCS) and Guilford County Schools (GCS).
Overwhelmed, from the start, Childress cried as she scanned the courtyard of BCC. First, her eyes landed on a fellow community servant. Then she spotted current teachers. Next, a gasp escaped her mouth as she saw former LCS Superintendent Jim Simeon, and his wife, Emily, standing behind her beside her 90-year-old aunt, Rennie, and sisters, Suzanne and Kathy.
Since 1998, Childress, who operates under the Mariam E. Wright motto, ‘If we don’t stand for children, then we don’t stand for much,’ has served as the family outreach coordinator for LCS. The multi-dimensional position consisted of but wasn’t limited to: leading and supporting administration and staff with referral concerns regarding students’ academic performance, behavioral issues, mental and physical health, attendance and truancy and crisis intervention, addressing basic human deficiencies and neglect/abuse/dependency challenges in the home adversely affecting children and their families. One teacher was overheard saying “If there was a serious issue going on with a student that I couldn’t handle, I called Lisa.”
This sentiment was expressed over and over as a steady stream of attendees made their way to the front of the room to highlight the often life changing impact Childress has had on the community. An impact that penetrated schools. homes, organizations and offices throughout the county.
“She did a lot for my son and I,” said Mona Dye. “She was there when we needed someone in our lives. She brought us food. She shared her love with us and showed us what love is about. I thank God for putting her in our lives. I love her to death.”
Retired Lexington Police Department Chief Tad Kepley expressed he always appreciated her passion and fiery spirit. Before he passed the mic to the next well-wisher, he thanked Childress for all she had done for the department, the community and himself.
Before coming to LCS in 1988, Childress was a special needs teaching assistant in GCS. She educated special needs students in LCS classrooms for 10 years before she entered the role she held until retirement day. Instead of spending her final day packing her office and tying up loose ends, she shared with Davidson Local that before she arrived at BCC she was conducting home visits.
For many in attendance, this wasn’t surprising. Especially to the man who hired her, Simeon.
“I recalled visiting your classroom one day and seeing how deeply engaged you were with your students. To her family, you’ve got a rockstar and a half right here. She’s one of those people you always remember. It’s an honor to be with you today to celebrate your career. You are an exemplary educator. Well done.”
One by one, those whose lives have been altered because of Childress’ commitment shared their stories. Tammy Curry recalled how a teacher didn’t believe her son Jonathan’s reading skills could improve. Childress did. As a result, he graduated from college, served in the United States Marine Corps and is now working at the state department.
Tim Tilley, executive director for Family Services of Davidson County, tweaked the popular Mark Twain quote about there being two important days in your life. To it he added “and the day Lisa Childress worked with a family.” David Sisk noted she was instrumental in helping him talk through problems as a young teacher. Deyanira Severo Simon, a former student, called her “the best thing God could send me.” LPD Lieutenant Melissa Price-Carter stated the “effects of her work are generational.”
“There is no one that can fill your shoes. You did what you had to do to make a system that is broken, better,” said Price-Carter.
When retired LCS educator Rona Lockhart spoke, she recalled being a student at Western Carolina University (WCU) and reading the Sylva (Childress’ hometown) newspaper about a basketball player named, coincidentally, Lisa Childress. At a class at North Carolina A&T State University where Childress received her masters of science in Education, she noticed Lockhart’s WCU sweatshirt and the rest is history.
“From that day forward, I met a colleague, co-worker and friend whom I could share war stories with, vent, laugh, whatever. I met someone who is the strongest advocate for children and families I’ve ever seen in my life. The people here today agree with me. LCS struck gold the day they hired her. The city of Lexington truck gold the day LCS hired her. I struck gold the day you introduced yourself to me.”
As Childress’ tears continued to flow, laughs continued to bellow throughout the room and unexpected visitors continued to surprise the guest of honor, Childress stood before the crowd and continued to do what she is known to do: give credit to her parents and advocate for children.
“I’m so humbled and honored. I was lucky to be able to love and care for children and families for a living. It’s the greatest honor I could possibly have had. My parents were my absolute greatest educators. I grew up in a family that believed in love, service and care to others. Higher institutional learning is not what taught me to be a good professional and educator. You can be an incredible model by what you do every day. If there was ever a time in our culture and communities that its needed and necessary, it’s now. I’m asking all of you to keep fighting for children and families. I don’t care where you are in your career, how young you are or how old you are, to change things and get education where it needs to be I better see every one of you in Raleigh when I’m marching. Do what you can while you can for children.”
