Lucy Barnes is Eagle Tire Pros Educator of the week

By Charlotte Underwood

JELLICO, TN (WLAF)- Educators make a difference in students’ lives every day. For many students, having a school employee who cares and goes that extra mile can be the difference in a successful education and graduation. We’ve all had that teacher, or school employee who inspired us or helped in some way. That’s why WLAF and Eagle Tire Pros salute all of our hard-working educators with a weekly feature.

This week’s featured educator is Lucy Barnes. She works in the Jellico High School cafeteria.

Barnes grew up in Jellico and attended school there.

“My mom and dad moved here from LaFollette when I was two, so dad could be closer to work.  I entered Jellico Elementary kindergarten in 1971 and graduated from Jellico High School in 1984,” Barnes said. 

This August marks 25 years that she has been employed by the school system of Campbell County. 

Barnes has worked at the Jellico High School Cafeteria for the past five years. Prior to that she worked at Jellico Elementary School for 20 years.

“At first, I missed Jellico Elementary and the staff and kids.  Now I am really learning to love Jellico High School and some of the elementary kids I served have now caught up with me at the high school,” Barnes said.

She also said she loves working with her co-workers and others at the high school and that interacting with the students is one of her favorite parts about her job.

“I love the people I work with, the faculty and students.  I especially like Mr. Joey St. John, the principal.  He really likes to pick on me!,” Barnes said.

When she’s not working, Barnes enjoys spending time with family and other activities.

“For fun, I enjoy my grandson Landon, and my son Rick.  I also enjoy shopping, watching movies, and attending school ball games.”

Barnes said she had several individuals who inspired her through her school years, including “Freda Douglas and Sue Baird in the cafeteria, custodians Crit Creekmore and Larry Delk, teachers Miss Ally (kindergarten), Janice Barton, Shirley Surber, and Martin Wheeler, and principals Kenneth Johnson and Raymond Surber.”

Every Thursday, WLAF’s Charlotte Underwood features the WLAF – Eagle Tire Pros teacher of the week. That educator also receives a free oil change from Eagle Tire Pros. To nominate a teacher for teacher of the week honors, please send your nomination to wlaf@1450wlaf.com. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-02/27/2025-6AM)