Karen Murray is Eagle Tire Pros “Educator of the Week”

By Charlotte Underwood

LAFOLLETTE, 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 hardworking educators with a weekly feature.

This week’s featured educator is Karen Murray. She is on the nutritional staff at LaFollette Middle School and has been feeding the students at LMS for 25 years!

Murray is from LaFollette and attended East LaFollette Elementary School.

“I went to LaFollette Middle School, but then it was called LaFollette Jr. High, now I am a cook at LMS I have been working there for 25 years,” Murray said. She graduated from Campbell County High School in 1983.

During her own school years, Murray said she had several teachers who inspired her and were her “favorite educators.”

“I went to East LaFollette elementary school, and my favorite teacher there was Larry Parks, and my favorite teacher in high school was Linda Thompson. They were both great teachers that I will never forget,” Murray said.

When she’s not working, Murray loves to spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

“My favorite thing to do is spend time with my grandbabies,” Murray said.

She has a five-year-old granddaughter, and a three-year-old grandson.

She also said she loves working at LaFollette Middle School with her co-workers and interacting with the students.

“What I love most about my job is the girls I work with they are like family to me. LMS is a great school with wonderful staff, and some really good students,” Murray said.

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-05/08/2025-6AM)