In 1996, Principal Dan Roberts hired Ms. Athena Putman to teach business classes like Keyboarding and Computer Applications at Kimmons Junior High School. After twenty-eight years, eight principals, and a school name change, Ms. Putman submitted her semester grades for the final time. Throughout her career here, she taught not only business classes but also Career Connections and KeyStone as well as sponsoring Pep Club, FBLA, and NJHS.

“I also created the yearbook, maintained the Kimmons Web Site, served as PTSA Treasurer, coordinated testing, kept the Basketball score books, and did just about anything else that I was asked to do,” Ms. Putman said.

When reflecting on Ms. Putman and CTE colleague Mr. Tierney being in one place for 28 years, one word came to Dr. Hinkle’s mind: loyalty.

“Ms. Putman and Mr. Tierney showed immense loyalty not only to Kimmons but also to the students and the community we serve,” Dr. Hinkle, principal, said. “Their dedication is truly commendable, and it is inspiring to see them retiring with the opportunity to pursue new adventures. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to them both for their unwavering loyalty and remaining steadfast and committed.”

Fellow 2024 retiree Ms. Pam Ehnle believes that Ms. Putman gave 100% to Kimmons.

“Ms. Putman used her meticulous organizational skills to make sure that testing was stress free for students and staff each and every year,” Ms. Ehnle said.

When Ms. Putman enrolled in college straight out of Roland high school, she knew she needed to finish as quickly as possible so she would not be in college for years. After earning her Associate’s degree from Westark Community College (now UAFS), Ms. Putman transferred to Arkansas Tech University to focus on a Bachelor’s of Science in Business. She also pursued a secondary education degree just in case she needed to have a flexible summer schedule for her family. In under four years, Ms. Putman graduated with both degrees and went to work at Arkansas Best Freight, Inc. (ABF) as executive secretary to the Vice President of Real Estate.

“I loved that job but decided after a year that I would pursue the educational part of my degree,” Ms. Putman said.

Now, Ms. Putman loves running into former students.

“They tell me that they are so glad to have had my class and are able to use the keyboarding and computer skills that they learned in my room,” Ms. Putman said.

Mrs. Samantha Springs, who worked with Ms. Putman for 23 years, enjoyed having her as a voice of reason.
“Whenever I was not sure about what to say or how to approach a subject, Ms. Putman always had a calm, reasonable suggestion that helped keep me on track and out of trouble,” Mrs. Springs said. “After all of these years working together (and being great friends), she knew what my reactions to things would be before I ever even knew what’s up!”

Mrs. Lori Melton, who transitioned from Science to CTE two years ago, found having Ms. Putman across the hall from her to be a Godsend.

“Ms. Putman is a wealth of knowledge and made me a better teacher,” Mrs. Melton said. “More importantly, though, she became a cherished friend who has been a constant for me on my good days and bad days. I will miss her immensely.”

Former colleague Mrs. Adrienne Holland considers her one of her closest friends.

“Ms. Putman and I have very different experiences and views on life, but I was able to learn so much from her!” Mrs. Holland said. “She helped me grow so much as not only a teacher but a person. The three years I worked in the CTE department were some of the most difficult times of my life, not only as a teacher, but as a person. She let me cry on her shoulders more times than I can count, and then she helped build me back up and problem solve. Ms. Putman never let me sit in my sadness or problems for long. She listened and then helped me take action! That’s the kind of person she is! Even during some of her hardest times, like at her dad’s funeral, she was thinking of others, and me in particular, helping me make connections with people who could help support and empathize with me as we navigated developments with my son. I’m not sure I could’ve made it through those times without her by my side. I will forever be thankful for her and her support! Even though she is leaving Kimmons, and I have been gone for a couple of years now, I have no doubt in my mind that our friendship will remain, and we will always be there to support each other WHENEVER the time comes.”

One of Mrs. Springs’ favorite memories with Ms. Putman was back in 2003 when they were on a professional development trip in Nashville, TN, and being chauffeured around by Mrs. Springs’ aunt and uncle who played tour guide. Pregnant with her oldest child Braden (who is now a junior in college), Mrs. Springs was obsessed with impending motherhood.

“Ms. Putman was so gracious, understanding, and just a joy to be around,” Mrs. Springs said. “We’ve also had so much fun co-sponsoring the National Junior Honor Society for the last 22 years. Ms. Putman is my ride-or-die, my Kimmons Best Friend (KBF). To say that I’ll miss her being a part of my daily grind is an understatement.”

For new teachers, Ms. Putman advises them to be mindful of the present.

“The days are long, but the years are so very short,” Ms. Putman said.

As for what to do next, Ms. Putman has a “wait and see what comes along” mindset.

“I plan to spend time with my family and do some traveling but do not yet have any plans on what employment will look like for me,” Ms. Putman said.