Even though I am beginning my twentieth year as an employee at Boyd-Buchanan, I thought it a good idea to do an introductory biography of myself in my first year as high school principal. I'm not sure if any of the information I provide will be valuable to any of you, but it should give you an idea of what BBS means to me.
I was born and raised in Chattanooga. I think Chattanooga is one of the best and most beautiful places on earth with many of the best people on earth. Quite a few of these best people on earth work at BBS, attend BBS, send their kids to BBS, or once attended BBS.
I came to BBS as a frizzy-haired, huge plastic glasses-wearing, fifth grader in 1979. (I would insert a picture here, but I think I've destroyed them all.) Before my parents brought my sister and me to BBS, I had never even heard of the school. I wasn't unhappy at my public elementary school, but my parents wanted an environment where Christian principles could be applied to every academic subject and where Bible was taught every day. My first teacher at BBS was June Bowling, and fifth grade still ranks as my favorite year of school.
I worked hard as a student at Boyd-Buchanan. My parents had reasonable expectations for me, but I had very high expectations of myself. There were many times I disappointed myself, but my parents have never been disappointed in me as a student. I knew how hard they worked to send my sister and me to BBS, so I tried to say thank you by doing my best. I truly valued being at Boyd-Buchanan and, every now and then, I say thank you to my parents for the sacrifice they made. I'm sure they never tire of hearing it...and they would do it all over again.
I played every sport they would let girls play while a student at Boyd-Buchanan. Some of the best experiences of my life happened representing BBS on a court or a field. Some of the best friends I've ever had (and still have) were my teammates. I was an average athlete, but I loved playing with all I had for my school and my team. I was even a member of the first Boyd-Buchanan team to win a state championship: the 1987 Lady Bucs softball team. Throughout my time playing sports at BBS we lost much more than we won, but the lessons I learned through school athletics have given me victory after victory in life.
In 1992, I joined the BBS teaching staff. I was overwhelmed with how hard the job of teaching really is. It took a few years to find the balance I needed to feel confident and competent in the classroom. I planned to teach until I retired, died, or got my dream job as a tour guide at the Smithsonian. The moments in my classroom over the past nineteen years when students made me laugh, inspired me, made me want to pull my hair out, awed me, and, especially, when they found a love for social studies that made us kindred spirits will never be forgotten.
I never saw myself in the role of principal and I will truly miss being in the classroom. I love my new position, but I'm humbled by the huge responsibility it carries. Here are some of the things I've learned at Boyd-Buchanan that will help guide me in the position of high school principal:
*If students know you love them and care about their futures, they'll do just about anything for you. I learned early in my teaching career that building relationships with students is really what it's all about.
*Boyd-Buchanan is very much like a family. Some students can't wait to "leave home". Many students grieve the loss of this place when they leave. They continue to come "back home" to see the people who made an impact on their lives. It never ceases to amaze the teachers how many graduates continue to show up when they no longer have to...they just want to. We have frequent "family reunions".
*People at BBS pray for one another...and it works. I've seen many amazing things happen in the lives of our students, parents, and teachers over the years. When someone at BBS says they are praying for you, they mean it.
I am truly honored to have been chosen for this position. I know that God has blessed this school and I am only a small part of it's past, present, and future. I am excited to do whatever I can to make BBS an even more amazing place. With the wonderful staff, students, parents, and alumni that love this school as much as I do, the best is surely yet to come. I'm just happy to be a part of it.
--Renee Hood--
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