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Pye retiring from county schools By BARRY BURLESON
Editor  | Courtesy photo
Dixie Pye |
Dixie
Pye, who has served more than 40 years with the Marshall County School
District, is retiring this month as principal of H.W. Byers Elementary. Since
her start in education in 1969 she has shown a great passion for
children, helping them to be the best they can be and be productive
citizens in life. “I wanted to inspire students,” Pye said. “I wanted to help – that’s my passion. I love children.” Teachers
who have worked under her supervision can attest to the passion through
statements such as “teach bell to bell,” “protect instructional time,”
“teach to reach,” “go the extra distance for the students,” and
“student achievement is our number one priority.” Pye’s
education preparation began in Fayette County, Tenn. She attended
kindergarten through eighth grades at Thomas Chapel Elementary and
ninth through 12th grades at Fayette County Training School (now
Fayette Ware). Her college education came at Tennessee State University
in Nashville, with graduate studies from the University of Mississippi
(master’s in library science), Memphis State University and Trevecca
University in Nashville (master’s in educational leadership). Pye’s
years of service in the Marshall County School District were in the
following areas (all at H.W. Byers Elementary) – classroom teacher,
curriculum coordinator, district Character Education director,
assistant principal and principal. She is also a notary public. Pye is from a family of 12 children (two deceased), with three sets of twins and she is one of the sets. “My
parents really taught and lived religious values,” she said. “We were
taught to know and apply the ‘Golden Rule.’ We had to go to Sunday
school and church services every Sunday with as many as the car would
accommodate. Those who did not go that Sunday would have the
opportunity on the following Sunday. My mom served as a missionary,
while my dad served as a Sunday school superintendent and as a church
pastor for approximately 30-plus years (both deceased).” Pye
met her husband, Clinton, in high school. She said meeting him was one
of the best things that happened to her. He is retired from Troxel
Company in Moscow, Tenn. He also served as a supervisor there. They
have five children and 10 grandchildren. “We are currently teaching them the same values as we were taught,” she said. “So far, so good.” Pye
plans to stay busy with church work in retirement. She has been
appointed district missionary for the Rossville District and chairman
of the State Examination Board for Central Tennessee Jurisdiction. “I
will be doing more traveling, studying the Word of God much more,
teaching in the Women’s Department, going along with my husband on
crappie fishing trips and attending a few farm equipment auction
sales,” she said. “My family is well pleased with my decision to retire, especially the ones who have kids. “I
asked God for the position to serve as an administrator after working
closely with my five administrators, and He granted it.” Pye
thanks Don Randolph, superintendent of the Marshall County School
District, for “allowing me the opportunity to serve the teachers,
parents, students and community.” “I have enjoyed each day of serving.” Her
family will host a reception in her honor at the Collierville Banquet
Hall in Collierville, Tenn., Highway 72, on Saturday, July 24, from 5
p.m. to 8 p.m. |
