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Congratulations Ms. Kirk & Ms. Ward
Tribute to Women
Posted on 05/16/2022
Tribute to Women

On Monday, May 16, two BTCS women received special visits from representatives of the YWCA of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia to be honored with the YWCA Tribute to Women Award: Tennessee High School Principal Kim Kirk and BTCS Family and Community Engagement Coordinator Kay Ward.

The first stop was the BTCS Administration Building to honor Ms. Ward, who was nominated by the City of Bristol. Kathy Waugh, executive director of the YWCA, had this to say from Ms. Ward's nomination:

"Your work and contributions to Bristol Tennessee City Schools are life changing as you are a champion for students. Your compassion and dedication for our youth and their future are paving the way for a better tomorrow by preparing Bristol's youngest residents for a life of learning. Your nurturing demeanor shows abundantly through the numerous organizations you have served in order to enhance the opportunities available to students." 

Just down the street at Tennessee High School, Ms. Kirk, who was nominated by the Viking Boosters, was next up to be honored. Ms. Waugh shared the following from Ms. Kirk's nomination:

"You are a true leader. The past two years have been challenging for everyone. As principal of Tennessee High School, you played a critical role in the lives of hundreds of students throughout a time when normalcy and routine was so critically needed yet near impossible to find. You compassionately led THS through many unknowns! You remained strong and steadfast throughout multiple tragedies--consoling, protecting, and nurturing your 1200 "children." You have filled many roles while leading Tennessee High School through the pandemic and successfully brought back together a spirited Viking Nation."

During the recognition, both ladies were reminded of the prestigious nature of the YWCA Tribute to Women Award: “You are now a member of a small group of women recognized as regional leaders who are nurturing, empowering, and transforming our community and who are inspiring other women all around them."

Ms. Ward and Ms. Kirk are two of three women selected in the Nurture category for their selfless commitment to the students and families of Bristol. In addition, they are two of only nine women selected in the entire Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia area. The YWCA Tribute to Women has been recognizing outstanding women in our community for more than 30 years.

Women may be nominated by an organization, business, or community group for this prestigious award in one of three categories: Nurture, Empower, and Transform. Awardees are leaders who have experienced significant growth and/or achievement in their areas of expertise and reside or work in the YWCA Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia 21-county service area. Judges for the event reside outside of the states of Tennessee and Virginia.

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