KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Kingsport City Schools has announced its 2016 Class of the KCS Hall of Fame.  Established as the keystone award for former employees, the Hall of Fame recognizes those individuals that have most impacted the Kingsport educational community during their careers with KCS. 

The class of 2016 elected to the KCS Hall of Fame includes:

Mrs. Margaret Bays. Mrs. Bays retired from KCS in 2010 after more than 58 years in education, 30+ of those years with Kingsport City Schools. During her tenure, Mrs. Bays taught music to thousands of students at Andrew Johnson Elementary School. In retirement, she has continued to be involved with music activities at many schools, including volunteering her time and attending district meetings or workshops. Widely known in the field of music education, Mrs. Bays is recognized for her dedication in teaching music, appreciation for its art and skill, and application of musical knowledge to life outside the classroom. Mrs. Bays was elected to the KCS Hall of Fame in the Modern Era category (retired post-1990).

Ms. Elizabeth “Lib” Dudney. Ms. Dudney retired from KCS in 1985 after serving as a science teacher at both Sevier Junior High and Dobyns-Bennett High School. She also served as sponsor for many clubs and coached girls’ athletic teams. Identified by her students as a creative teacher who made science “a wonderland of curiosity and adventure,” Ms. Dudney was zealous about offering students the best opportunities available to expand their horizons. In her retirement, she was elected to the Kingsport Board of Education, serving in leadership roles as both vice president and president. She also led fundraising efforts to build the D-B Alumni Fieldhouse, a $3 million venture. Ms. Dudney was elected to the KCS Hall of Fame in the Tradition Era category (retired 1960-1990).

Mr. William “Bill” Hull. Serving as a teacher of English, Bible literature, and journalism, Mr. Hull also coached football and Scholars Bowl teams, retiring in 2009. Thirty-nine years of his 42 years as an educator were spent at Dobyns-Bennett High School. In 2004, Hull received the Excellence Award from the National Council of Teachers of English for his service at KCS. Hull was widely recognized as an educator who truly cared for his students, who believed in their ability to achieve, and who inspired all students to “keep working and moving forward.” Mr. Hull was posthumously elected to the KCS Hall of Fame in the Modern Era category (retired post-1990).

Mr. Cecil Puckett. “Coach” Puckett joined KCS in 1957 after coaching in other districts and serving in the Armed Forces. Coach Puckett taught and coached at Sevier and Robinson Junior Highs, as well as Dobyns-Bennett High School. In addition, he served as KCS Activities Director for a number of years and coached little league baseball and softball through Eastman’s summer program. A gifted athlete and decorated D-B graduate, Coach Puckett instilled in each student the values of integrity, perseverance, and giving ones’ personal best in all endeavors. He is known as a man who set high moral standards for students and peers to follow, and one who quietly taught and led by example. Mr. Puckett was elected to the KCS Hall of Fame in the Tradition Era category (retired 1960-1990).

“The four individuals elected in the second class of the KCS Hall of Fame truly exemplify strong personal characteristics, unwavering commitment to education, and selfless dedication to thousands of Kingsport students,” said Dr. Lyle Ailshie, KCS Superintendent. “Kingsport City Schools is privileged to have these educators be inducted into the KCS Hall of Fame.  They are truly the ‘best of the best’ and their legacy will continue to honor and challenge both current and future educators.”

Currently in its second year, the KCS Hall of Fame was established to honor and recognize those individuals that have made significant contributions to Kingsport City Schools and its students, celebrate the excellence of KCS and its employees, preserve the history of the district, and promote the positive values of Kingsport City Schools, its employees, and its students.  The 2016 Induction Ceremony will be held on Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at 11 a.m. in the Toy F. Reid Eastman Employee Center (400 South Wilcox Drive, Kingsport).  The ceremony is open to the public and free to attend.

For more information on the KCS Hall of Fame and its inductees, click here.

Kingsport City Schools (KCS) is a public school district located in Kingsport, Tenn., serving students in Sullivan and Hawkins county. The district is comprised of 13 schools, including a Pre-K, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school and a non-traditional school; with total enrollment over 7,100 students. The vision of Kingsport City Schools is to be, Student Focused … World Class.

KCS has been named the top school district in Tennessee as winner of the 2014 SCORE Prize District Award by the State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) and has earned the 2014 Achievement Award in the annual Excellence in Tennessee Recognition Program by the Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence (TNPCE).

For more information on KCS, visit k12k.com, listen live on WCSK 90.3 FM, The Voice of KCS, read our blog, We Are KCS, or call (423) 378.2100. We’re social too; follow us on Facebook (Kingsport City Schools), Twitter (@KCS_District) and check out our YouTube Channel (KPTSchools).

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