CAMDEN, Tenn. (Dec. 15, 2023) – The Tennessee Department of Education, in coordination with the Governor’s Office, named Travis Pierce the recipient of the Tennessee RISE Award. Pierce is Camden Elementary School’s Maintenance Director.
The Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award honors classified school employees who provide exemplary service to students. A classified school employee is defined as an employee who works in any grade from pre-kindergarten through high school in an occupational specialty such as clerical and administrative services, food and nutrition services, custodial and maintenance services, and other skilled trades.
Pierce was honored at the Excellence in Education Dinner on Dec. 8 in Nashville and will now be considered as a nominee for the U.S. Department of Education’s national RISE Award.
“lt is always such a great honor to learn that one of our team members has been recognized for their dedication to our education community,” said Mark Florence, Director of Schools for Benton County. “Travis’s commitment to making Camden Elementary a safe and functional location while also fostering strong relationships with the students is exemplary. I am proud he is part of our incredible team.”
Pierce joined Camden Elementary as their Maintenance Director in 2020 after retiring from a 30-year career at Carhartt. His passion for the Camden community can be found on display all over town. He has been a volunteer firefighter for the past 30 years, serves as the police commissioner, and is a City Alderman and Vice Mayor. Pierce also serves as the assistant funeral director at a local funeral home and is an active member at Eva Baptist Church.
“Mr. Travis is the first person to arrive every day at school,” shared Camden Elementary School Principal Kristie Wilson, referring to Pierce by the name students use for him. “He makes certain the building is ready to welcome the staff and students. He greets students by name and makes connections with them on a daily basis. He is often found in the lunchroom talking to students, opening their milk, bringing them napkins – anything to help them have a good day.”
The expertise, skills, dedication, and leadership Pierce demonstrates make him an invaluable Camden Elementary team member. He has been instrumental in bringing local firefighters, policemen, electric company workers, park rangers, and others for special events. He also played a major role in building a new outdoor classroom, renovating the building, and constructing a new bicycle track on the playground.
“Travis Pierce is a ‘Mr. Fix It' at Camden Elementary,” Wilson added. “But he is so much more than that. He is a role model for so many students, parents, and staff. He often says, ‘I have the best job ever!’ As the principal, I say, ‘we have one of the best employees ever!’”
Benton County Schools operates six schools and the Benton County Career and Technical Center. For more information, contact Mark Florence, Director of Benton County Schools, at (731) 584-6111 or email mark.florence@bcos.org.
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