Mrs. Annie Cox: Cannon County Hero

When first entering the West Side Reach, all was quiet. However, it didnt stay that way for long.

All of a sudden it seemed kids were coming from everywhere, but in reality it was only through the front door. They were all grade school children, from the youngest to the oldest. Some, of course, were playing; one gently throwing a ball up in the air, some settled into the round tables, others at the computer stations. Some still were doing like kids do, running around and picking at one another. It seemed that they were one big happy family.

Mrs. Marian and Mrs. Paulette were heading up the REACH at West Side. They had help from two students from Cannon County High School, who were affiliated with AmeriCorps. The students and Mrs. Paulette were busy pouring kool-aid and fixing snacks.

As part of AmeriCorps, the students must work at a non-profit organization and chose REACH. AmeriCorps help REACH by providing older students who are knowledgeable enough to tutor the younger students, which helps REACH, as they are paid through AmeriCorps.

When looking around the room, you could see the kids handiwork on the walls. One was a tree, the branches consisting of cutouts of hands that had each childs name boldly written on each palm. One of the signs stated, Success is a journey; not a destination. Another of the posters depicted the United States, divided into the 50 states, journeying across America.

One girl came up and asked who I was. Of course I told her.

I had the pleasure of sitting next to a friendly boy, named Dawson, who granted me an interview.

When asked what REACH does for him, he stated it helped him in all kinds of ways. He stated that usually no one helped him study, but at REACH, he had help and one time his grades were so far up that he was on the Principals List. Other times he has been so close. He said REACH helps him study and get his homework done. He has been in REACH since the 1st grade and was one of West Side REACHs first students and a success story.

Then the door opened again, and in came Mrs. Annie Cox, entering the room the way that only Mrs. Cox can do. With a big smile on her face and a kind word for everyone.

Mrs. Cox told about her school days, which is recorded in the video. The video was actually longer but unfortunately had to be cut to 10 minutes in length.

After Mrs. Cox talked with the children, she passed out candy to everyone, which as a big hit with the kids. You could tell that every child loved Mrs. Cox and she loved them too.

Thanks Mrs. Annie Cox, for choosing to stay and teach in Cannon County.

Cannon County is a better place because of you.

Marion Campbell, REACH, invited Mrs. Annie Cox to talk with the children in celebration of Black History Month, to tell the children how it was when she went to school.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Mrs. Annie Cox
• West Side
• Black History Month
• Cannon County
• Cannonwire
• newspaper
• woodbury

[sexychicka002]

I love this woman! I cried so much over her and I didn't want to believe it. there will never be another like her, We miss you!

[MarieFrom1992]

RIP Mrs. Cox!!!! You are very missed

[YoungBlackRich]

R.I.P. Ms.Annie

We will truely miss you. You did so much for people in your county. Your achievements and your efoorts to make TN a better place will never be forgotten. WE LOVE YOU!!! You will always be in our hearts.