DAVIDSON COUNTY – Lee Roy Kearns, an 83-year-old driving instructor, has no intention of slowing down.
The former Davidson County Schools classroom teacher and coach was honored with the Philip Forrest McGirt Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award by the North Carolina Driver Traffic Safety Education Association at its annual conference April 27.
The award was presented to “honor and honor his lifelong dedication and service to driver education and the students of North Carolina” during his 40 years as a driver education teacher.
Ray Wyatt, executive director of the North Carolina Driver Traffic Safety Education Association, said, “(He is) an honest, understanding, accepting person and someone who goes out of his way to help others when he doesn't have to.'' Ta. Even though he has never met a stranger, he does his best to help anyone. ”
After graduating from what was then High Point University with a degree in business administration, Kearns began working for Davidson County Schools in 1963. He was a physical education coach at what is now Northwest Elementary School, which required him to obtain a teaching license.
A few years later, he moved to North Davidson Middle School, where he became the athletic director and continued to teach business and math classes.
He began teaching driver education at West Davidson High School in 1984. Two years later, he moved to Redford High School, where he continued to work as a teacher, driving education instructor, and coach.
When state law changed in 1991, requiring driver education to be offered after school, Kearns became a special education teacher at Stoner Thomas School. He retired from teaching in 2009, but continued to work as a part-time driving education teacher at Redford High School, where he is currently.
“I'm passionate about what I do and I still enjoy doing it,” Kearns said.
Last year, he was also the first recipient of the Davidson County Schools Lifetime Achievement Award.
“He is someone who has touched the lives of many people throughout the district through his years of service in a variety of roles.”
said Brandi Reeder, director of human resources for Davidson County Schools. “He sets an example of establishing a strong work ethic in conjunction with an unparalleled level of public service. He is truly an inspiration to all of us.”
She also received the Nancy S. Frazier Outstanding Teacher Award in 2004 and the Dedicated Service Award from the ARC of Davidson County in 2006.
Kearns teaches students how to drive, but he said his true passion is connecting with kids, teaching them life lessons and reinforcing the importance of appreciating every moment.
“Kids have told me that I taught them more about life than any other teacher in a few days. Always tell mom and dad I love you before you leave because you never know what will happen.” “I'm telling you,” he said.
He is also serious about making sure his students are prepared for any situation that may arise on the road. Kearns said he plans to (safely) block the student's view or press the gas pedal in case of an unexpected emergency.
“I say, 'Okay, what are you going to do?' And they learn how to deal with it really quickly,” Kearns said. “Over the years, students have come back to me and said their hood flew off or something, and it reminded them what to do.”
Kearns said he appreciates the recognition at the state and local level. He said he feels fulfilled by his impact during his 61 years as an educator and coach in Davidson County Schools.
“You have to love where you live, and I love it there, too,” Kearns said. “I've never been afraid to go to work. I've enjoyed everything and I wouldn't change a thing.”