bjhatfield
26 posts


Five recognized with RCS Strong Outstanding Staff awards
Nominations from September being accepted now
September 30, 2025
By JAMES EVANS
Rutherford County Schools
Four Rutherford County Schools’ employees and a bus driver were recognized for their dedication to duty by being named the latest recipients of the RCS Strong Outstanding Staff awards.
The SOS awards recognize employees in one of five categories: support staff, teachers, administrators, central office employees, and those involved in transportation, which includes bus contractors, bus drivers, crossing guards, and bus aides.
The award winners were honored at the Sept. 25 School Board meeting.
The school district is seeking nominations now for the next round of awards, which will be announced at the Oct. 16 School Board meeting.
Nominations are taken on a continuous basis, and anyone can nominate a staff member using this simple form: forms.office.com/r/Lt33AzPb0c
Nominations are then reviewed by the RCS leadership team to determine award winners.
The awards are sponsored by the Sonic drive-In restaurants of Rutherford County. Chris Spraggins and Alan Scheuers — supervising partners with the local Sonic drive-ins — presented gift bags to the five award winners at the Sept. 25 meeting.
The five winners from September are listed below along with comments from their nominations:
Administrator — Richard Reed, Principal, LaVergne Middle School
NOMINATION COMMENTS: I was a part of the LMS family before Mr. Reed joined the LMS team as an assistant principal. I have never attempted to leave this school because of the dedication to the students and community serviced, and I felt that culture mattered more than time travelled, scores, or ratings. This goes on to say, I thought our school was as close to perfect as it could be. Mr. Reed has elevated that reasoning even more for me. He has raised the bar at LMS, even though I didn't think we could go any higher. He spends countless hours devoted to the students in this building, especially the ones who need a hero the most. His compassion towards our students is like none other I've witnessed. He has sown seeds that the Rutherford County area will see for decades.
Teacher — Sara Sears, Instructional Coach, Rockvale Middle
NOMINATION COMMENTS: Sara Sears is one of the biggest supporters, helpers, and confidants at RMS.
I originally started as an EA and transitioned to a teaching position mid-way through last school year. Being in education was a totally new experience for me, and she has been incredibly supportive. She has answered every question I have, guided me through various online programs, and helped me navigate workplace dynamics.
Her mentorship and guidance have been instrumental in building my confidence and growth as an educator. While I know I still have plenty to learn, I'm grateful for the foundation she's helped me build and I look forward to continuing to learn from her.
SUPPORT STAFF - Stephanie Matschinegg, Rockvale High School
NOMINATION COMMENTS: Ms. Stephanie goes out of her way to comfort and welcome every staff member and student. She is the mother of all of us teachers and the most beloved person in our school. She is always pleasant and accommodating. No recognition would be adequate. She is a rockstar.
CENTRAL OFFICE - Renee Pope, Human Resources
NOMINATION COMMENTS: Renee goes above and beyond for her job. She trained me and is always a good example of what an Admin Assistant should be. I can go to Renee with any questions, and she will have an answer for me every time. She gave me a tour of the building and introduced me to everyone. She made sure that I had all of my logins, even if it took some extra effort by constantly emailing people. She took excellent notes and set me up so that I'm prepared for any issues that I may face with the job. I even notice some of the analysts going to her for questions as well. She is definitely one of the most knowledgeable in the HR department.
TRANSPORTATION - Gail Howell, driver, Bus 243
NOMINATION COMMENTS: She always takes such great care of the students who ride her bus. She loves on their families as well. The beginning of the year is always stressful for parents and staff, and she makes sure students are well taken care of and home safe every afternoon!

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@rucoschools What a awesome thing! First Tee is wonderful and my 3 grandsons have been involved since the oldest was 8 and he’s a senior playing at regionals next week for Smyrna High School. I also had the pleasure of meeting the Lavergne coach two weeks ago and he’s doing great job
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‘Without First Tee, we would not have a golf season’
#RCSEveryStudentEveryDay: LaVergne High golfers receive free clubs and bags through program partnership from First Tee
September 19, 2025
By BARTON HENLEY
Rutherford County Schools
This season, every LaVergne High School golfer stepped onto the course with a complete set of clubs and bags thanks to a gift from First Tee.
The donation was made possible by Hannah Sudbury, senior program director of First Tee Nashville and a former LaVergne golfer herself. Sudbury said it was meaningful to give back to the program that first sparked her love of the game and to help today’s students enjoy the same opportunity.
“This support ensures our students can compete without financial barriers,” LaVergne High golf coach Seth Jones said. “Without First Tee, we would not have a golf season.”
To learn more about First Tee, click here: firstteetennessee.org
@LHSintheNews
@FirstTee
@TNGolfFnd
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Wyatt Brimm advances to regions and will represent the golfdawgs on September 29 at Old Fort Golf Course . This is his second appearance in regions. Let's goooooooo. @SmyrnaBulldog #onlyoneSHS

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Congratulations to Senior Wyatt Brimm on advancing to the Region Tournament! This will be Wyatt’s second Region Tournament appearance. It will take place on September 29 at Old Fort Golf Club. @SmyrnaBulldog #OnlyOneSHS

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@smyrnagolf @SmyrnaBulldog Good looking group! Thanks for fun four years!
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Senior dinner to celebrate these three terrific young men and their commitment to the Golf Dawgs! @SmyrnaBulldog #OnlyOneSHS

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Now, while you're at lunch, trying to see what night to see the dawgs. This week's Jersey Mike's Athelets of Week are from golf and cheer. I mean, the dawgs are so good, we run on Dunkin', and we are sub above supported. Get you some of that ! @SmyrnaBulldog #onlyoneSHS

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@smyrnaathletics @SmyrnaBulldog Those were some fun years of SHS baseball and we were there for all of it. Special group of guys on that team all 4 years
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Aidan and Jared on the simulator, Zach and Ava working on swing speed with the stack system. What better way to spend 8th period! #OnlyOneSHS




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And we’re off.. Senior Aidan Mooney gets us started by finding the fairway on 1. #OnlyOneSHS

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Very proud Bulldog - THANKS to all that helped me get there @SmyrnaBulldog #BDP @harrisb10 @ljbdomino @niittanyfan

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Match Day! We travel to Old Fort to open our season against Siegel. First tee time set for 1 pm. #OnlyOneSHS
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More work being done today as Coach Trumphour is painting the room. Color chosen is Pebble Beach! #OnlyOneSHS

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Congrats to my graduate @braddecker1217 who earned his Ed.S. degree. To further one’s education while working the long hours of a HS admin, coaching Braylon’s travel baseball team, attend Brody’s games, yard, husband, all the things, is no small feat! So proud!! 🎓💙🖤🥰

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@fungogolf25 Thanks for coming. We have so many wonderful baseball memories ❤️
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