Kim Fugitt isn't just a teacher; she's a dedicated lifelong Hornet, a legacy she's proudly passed down to her family. With her husband and two sons also proudly sporting Bryant diplomas, the Fugitt family's connection to Hornet blue runs deep.
Fortunate for the district and the many students who learned in her classroom, Mrs. Fugitt chose to make her career at Bryant Schools. Few educators can say they have taught first grade at the same school in the same classroom for 32 years as she has at Springhill Elementary. She said, “It was my first job and my only job. It has been such a blessing getting up every morning and going to do something that I loved. My job was rewarding each day. I tried to instill in my students the love of learning new things by showing them I loved them and I believed in them,” she said.
She continues, “I am so thankful for having had the most important career in the world. I built the reading foundation for every child that walked into my classroom. I have taught children that are now lawyers, doctors, electricians, and teachers. I encouraged children, loved them, and helped every child reach their potential.”
Important to Mrs. Fugitt are the relationships she has built with fellow teachers and parents over the years. Together, they worked to help grow children in reading and math. She knows she will cherish those memories and friendships for the rest of her life.
As she says goodbye to her last group of first graders and closes her classroom door for the final time, she looks forward to being able to travel with her husband and two sons. Avid mountain climbers and travel explorers, they plan to go to Banff National Park in Canada, followed by a trip to Greece.
“I will miss those sweet smiles walking in my classroom every morning, but I am going to enjoy spending more time with my family,” said Mrs. Fugitt.
As the Bryant community extends its heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Fugitt, it's clear that her impact extends far beyond the classroom, shaping the lives of generations of Springhill students who've been fortunate enough to call her their first-grade teacher.
