Pulaski County High School has named Mr. Greg Kemp as their 2022-23 Employee of the Year. Mr. Kemp has worked for PCPS for a total of 15 years and currently works as a member of the custodial staff.
Mr. Kemp is originally from Carroll County, and graduated from Carroll County High School in 1989. He went on to graduate from New River Community College in 1991, then received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Old Dominion University in 2001.
“Mr. Kemp truly wants to keep our school as clean and safe as possible,” PCHS Principal Jennifer Bolling said. “His work ethic and positive attitude make PCHS a great place to be!”
In the nomination form recommending Mr. Kemp for this award, his attitude and efforts were noted several times.
“Greg is a huge asset to our school,” it stated. “His work ethic and pride for our school remaining clean is admirable. Greg goes out of his way to make sure that our school building is clean and well maintained, even if it means working 12-hour days. He keeps a positive attitude throughout the day with staff and students, even on the most stressful days. Greg has faced many challenges this year due to the custodial staff shortage, but he always has a smile and a friendly greeting. He is always willing to help out in any way he can, even though he doesn't have a complete staff and is being pulled in many different directions. The students engage with him and respect him. He is a fine example of Cougar Pride.”
For 13 years, Mr. Kemp worked as a Case Manager for the Southwest Virginia Training Center (SWVTC) in Hillsville, working with students with intellectual disabilities.
“I’ve always enjoyed being around the kids, getting to do physical activities,” Kemp said. “A lot like here, it’s really nice being a part of a great community and working with some great folks in this school system. I thoroughly enjoy my job. We need more employees, but that’s a problem with everyone nationwide.”
When not at work, Mr. Kemp enjoys several activities.
“I have raised, trained, and bred Black and Tan Coonhounds since I was eight years old,” he said. “I have done this for 44 years now. I can remember pedigrees of my dogs from the late 70’s, but can’t seem to remember what I did yesterday, according to my wife. One of my dogs finished second in the UKC World Coonhound Championships in 2015 out of over 13,000 dogs.”
“I could spend every waking moment of my life with my family and in the woods with my dogs,” he continued. “I also enjoy writing. I have written a lot of poems over the years. I will share my poems with anyone who is interested.”
As for his supporters, Kemp had a lot of people to mention.
“I am married to Vickie Kemp,” he said. “She is a Paraprofessional at Critzer Elementary School. We have an interesting relationship, but she is my rock and for that I love her. Most spouses wouldn’t put up with my being out in the woods nearly every night training my dogs, but she has been my biggest supporter. Our two children are Noah, 16, and Erica, 23. My sister and brother-in-law, Sherry and Barry Gregory, have helped us move to Draper. They’re two great people who share our common family values and a love for this community.”