Parham close to FIS on two levels
June 29, 2022 by Michelle Hollenhead
Suzanne Parham is Farragut Intermediate School’s new principal, but she is no stranger to the Town she has called home since 1992.
Both her daughters, Grace and Hope Whitaker, graduated from Farragut High School, and she and her husband, Ben Parham, live in a subdivision nearby her new workplace.
Parham already has been working closely with retiring FIS principal Deborah Adorante this summer, even though Parham’s official “First Day” isn’t until July 1.
“I’m so excited to be working here now, and being able to give back to my community,” said Parham, who most recently worked for Knox County Schools as assistant principal at Karns Elementary. “My friends and family are all here, and it’s just an honor for me to be able to come to work here.
“It has been terrific being able to work together to make the transition a smooth one,” she added. “Most people don’t have this opportunity, and to be able to work together like this has been wonderful.”
She also has had the chance to weigh in on new hires for the coming year.
“The teachers here already are phenomenal, and being able to hire new teachers is one of the most important decisions I make as principal,” she said.
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June 29, 2022 by Tammy Cheek
Hardin Valley Elementary School students will see a new face welcoming them back Monday, Aug. 8, from summer break.
Lynn Jacomen, previously Inskip Elementary School principal, will move into her new role as principal at HVES in July. She is replacing the school’s current principal, Dr. Sunny Poe Scheafnocker, who will be taking the helm as principal of the new school currently being built in northwest Knox County.
“I am honored to be chosen as principal of HVES,” Jacomen said. “It is a wonderful school with an amazing community and a great place that I already call home. My youngest daughter, Norah, will be next door at (Hardin Valley) Academy as a senior, so that’s an added benefit.”
She found out about her new assignment just prior to school ending in May.
“Of course, I was very excited, but at the same time sad to leave students, staff and my Inskip community,” Jacomen said. “I’ve been principal of Inskip for five years. It is bittersweet, but I feel I am ready for the challenge of a larger school.”
The announcement’s timing “provided me the opportunity to meet the entire staff at HVES for a brief introduction, as well as say goodbye to my Inskip school and community family,” Jacomen said.
This year starts her 29th year as an educator. Before joining Inskip, Jacomen moved back home to Tennessee in 2016 after spending 23 years in Virginia, where she served as an educational assistant, classroom teacher, VA state project coordinator, district RTI coordinator, instructional coach, assistant principal and a principal.
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