Anthony Pennington

Mr. Pennington has been in a leadership role at Lynn Camp Schools for the past eleven years, first being assistant principal then moving into the head principal position. He started his teaching career at Williamsburg Independent where he taught middle and high school social studies. After three years, he says that he was "blessed to be able to come home to Knox County and Lynn Camp Schools to teach middle and high school social studies as well as coach high school Boys Basketball and high school Cross Country."

For a principal of a Pre K-12 school stretched across two buildings on one campus, there are lots of demands. Still, Mr. Pennington finds joy in the setting.

"The most enjoyable part of being a principal is watching students and staff grow and achieve success both inside and outside of the classroom. Having a Pre K-12 school allows me to see that whole process, from the time they enter at Pre-K until they walk across the stage at graduation for many of our graduates. I love being in the classrooms as much as possible and giving pep talks to our various groups before competitions."

When asked was there one moment that stands out, Mr. Pennington reflected on so many but a tradition stands out that is important to him, seniors set to graduate, and Lynn Camp's history.

"There are so many memorable moments that it is hard to choose just one, so I will settle on a tradition instead. Each year prior to graduation and after senior breakfast, our seniors parade through the halls of both the elementary and middle high school buildings. They are cheered on like rock stars. Getting to spend this time and time during special trips getting to know a group of seniors on a personal level before they cross the section of the old gym floor from the original Lynn Camp High School at graduation is some of my best memories as principal."

Normal goals to achieve and challenges set aside, this year with COVID-19 presents its own challenge. "In this pandemic era, this year my goal is to be able to support my students, teachers, staff, and families both educationally and with physical and mental health. This is the toughest time we have faced in education and as a community and everyone is working well together to make it the best experience we can."

With numerous career pathways being offered at Lynn Camp, and dual credit offerings in core areas, Mr. Pennington works to ensure that each student has a plan for when they graduate. One set of skills, and one profession, that Mr. Pennington hopes to see more students major in is education.

"My strongest advice is to be as involved in you can in your local schools, and learn from the best educators in your experience and outside of your experience."

He cites that Lynn Camp has many talented teachers who would love to mentor students interested in education and that the school will welcome them back to substitute and student teach during college.

As for his teachers, Mr. Pennington has advice for them if they are looking to advance from the classroom or build their classroom experience.

"Anyone who is looking to advance in education, should be as involved as they possibly can with all aspects of the school and build strong relationships with colleagues, students, and the overall community. "

Mr. Pennington recalled stories of his grandmother and her dedication to students and teaching.

"My grandmother Ida Pennington taught for 38 years, beginning in a one room school house and finishing as a head teacher in the Laurel County School system. I still hear stories from her former students about the relationships she built and how much she loved what she did."

Relationships and enthusiastic passion for students and success are trademarks of Mr. Pennington's leadership style at Lynn Camp Schools.

What brings him joy when away from the Wildcats?

"When I’m away from school, I enjoy farming, traveling with family and friends, cooking, and rebuilding my Jeep Wrangler Sahara. We like to hit the trails with our blue heelers and Maltipoos."