Riverlawn Elementary School has selected Mrs. Carrie Tate as their 2022-23 Employee of the Year. Mrs. Tate serves Riverlawn as an Administrative Assistant in the front office.
“Mrs. Tate is one of the hardest working, dedicated people I know,” Riverlawn Principal Kim Sink said. “She will often give up her own time to make sure school and student needs are met. She greets every visitor with a friendly smile and a big warm welcome.”
Mrs. Tate originally worked for Pulaski County Public Schools from 2015-18 before moving to Blacksburg, where she pursued a position to utilize her degree in health care.
“I quickly realized how much I missed being a part of Pulaski County Schools,” Tate said.
She returned to PCPS in September 2020, and has worked at Riverlawn Elementary since. Mrs. Tate is a 2005 graduate of Pulaski County High School. She did not immediately go to college, but at 21, she decided to return to school, enrolling with American InterContinental Online and completing her Associate, Bachelor, and Master’s degree in Medical Billing and Coding/Healthcare Management.
What made her decide to return to Pulaski County Public Schools?
“I love working for Pulaski County Public Schools because when I come to work, it isn’t coming to work,” she said. “It is a big family at Riverlawn Elementary, where I am truly blessed to work with some of the kindest and hardest working people I know. They make it easy to show up every day. The biggest challenge I believe is witnessing some of the situations children face outside of school.”
The nomination form recommending her for the award reflects how her coworkers view her work habits.
“Mrs. Tate is an invaluable resource to Riverlawn,” the form reads. “She is the go-to person for many questions from teachers, parents, and students. Normally she has an answer for you. If she doesn't ... she'll find out. She greets our families with a smile on her face. Mrs. Tate genuinely cares about our students and staff. She makes sure her time is dedicated to help ensure the school is performing at its best while maintaining professionalism and a safe working environment.”
During her free time, Mrs. Tate enjoys running, at times participating in organized 5K’s and other races. She also enjoys spending time with her daughter, 14-year-old eighth-grader Natilee Houston, and her friends.