By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
For more than three decades it has been nearly impossible to go through the Glasgow Independent Schools district without taking a class with Jesse Brown. His continued work as a substitute and interim instructor has made him a household name throughout Glasgow, at times teaching three generations of family members. On Sept. 29, the district awarded Brown a plaque for his dedicated service at the homecoming pep rally in the Glasgow High School gymnasium.
The award was in conjunction with his induction into the Louie B. Nunn Kentucky Teachers Hall of Fame, which recognizes Brown’s, and three other Kentucky educators’, “commitment to education.” While the induction celebration at Western Kentucky University is scheduled for Dec. 1, Tara Martin, director of instruction for the district, said they wanted to do something special in house for Brown as well.
As mentioned, the brief recognition began after all the GHS students were called into the gym for the annual homecoming pep rally. Chad Muhlenkamp, GIS superintendent, Martin, Joey Norman, GIS principal, and nearly all the faculty and staff were present as Muhlenkamp stepped up to the microphone talking briefly about Brown’s impact on the staff and students.
“It’s a great honor for Glasgow Independent Schools to have people in the community think highly enough of the teachers to put their name out there and nominate them,” Muhlenkamp said. “It’s just a great honor to have staff that is that well received over their career to get this recognition.”
Caught by surprise, and through teary eyes, Brown accepted the award as the band played in the corner.
“It’s overwhelming,” Brown said. “It’s so wonderful to know people appreciate you.”
“It’s been a joy for me to be a teacher from the very first day,” Brown added.
Brown began as a history teacher at Glasgow High School in 1963 and worked full-time until his retirement in 1993, though, according to Norman, he has never truly retired serving as a substitute whenever he’s needed. Norman said his willingness to take sub jobs, and the fact that he “enters and leave the building with a smile” in an inspiration to younger faculty and students alike.
“He’s a Scottie through and through, and we love having him here,” Norman said. “I’m getting to know Mr. Brown more everyday and…he’s teaching me stuff everyday.”
“He’s a great inspiration for us,” Norman added.
Jim Evans said he has known Brown since 64-65 when he had Brown’s class. Brown gave Evans the nickname Foghorn Leghorn and signed his yearbook “Long live the Loud Mouths.” Michael Crimmins/Glasgow News 1.
Jim Evans is the man who put Brown’s name forth for consideration of this “very prestigious award.” He said he has know Brown since he had his class in the 64-65 school year. After that time he said he and Brown would “give each other a hard time” when they crossed paths. It’s through this “on and off” relationship that lead him to nominate Brown when he learned about the Hall of Fame, Evans said.
“I’ve always wanted to do something for him,” Evans said. “I came across the Teachers Hall of Fame a year ago and I thought ‘well I know the perfect person.’”
He put out the call for letters from friends at that time, asking roughly 150 people for positive letters for Brown’s application. He said he got 72 back. It was then he contacted Martin who put it before the Board of Education to receive their unanimous approval.
Unfortunately, Brown did not get the nomination last year — it was given to three people Katy Cecil, Addie Henry and Wilma Pace — but Evans said he called down to the university to see why he didn’t get the nomination.
“She said you need something to push [Brown] over,” Evans said.
It wasn’t until Brown was named a Hometown Hero, which Brown said was submitted by students, that his application was “pushed over the edge,” Evans said, earning him a place at the Hall of Fame this year.
“Yesterday I almost cried when I saw it on the news,” Evans said. “I mean, he’s the only teacher I had in high school that I really wanted to pay attention to.”
Muhlenkamp, Martin and Norman all agreed that Brown truly bring a joy to teaching that serves as an inspiration to many. Brown said he is not done in the classroom either.
“He’s a real teacher,” Evans said. “That’s so simple but he’s a real teacher. He works to make you learn instead of memorizing a bunch of facts.”
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