LCHS 2013 honors graduate Nikki Kelley remembers the moment in the year 2000 that she decided to become a kindergarten teacher.
“My kindergarten teacher told me one day that I was going to be somebody great, and that always stuck with me,” Kelley said. “So, I made the decision that if I could be that person for somebody, that’s what I wanted to do as well. I chose the path of teaching.”
Kelley’s kindergarten teacher shared those encouraging words during a challenging time. Kelley was living in Oklahoma City with her grandparents while her mother recovered from addiction. There were many challenges during those early years but she came back to Garland as her mother became sober (and has been for 15 years). She wrote the following poem, which addressed some of those difficult times.
She Is Unwritten
Take a journey through my mind and attempt to see what I have seen.
A little girl who never fit in, who spent her school days hiding under the teacher’s desk doing her schoolwork with a flashlight.
The pain she felt at such a young age at times seemed unbearable.
But this girl was strong!
She continued to push through her pain because she knew there had to be more in the world for her.
She often imagined a world that was all her own.
All of her wildest dreams could come true here.
Pain could no longer reach her and tears would no longer fall in this world.
Finally, the girl woke up, and she made this dream world her reality.
Her only dream now is to be successful.
She goes to school every day with the hopes of one day opening a place children can call home.
A home for children who have lost all hope like she once had.
That girl is well on her way, but her story is not quite ready to be told.
That girl is still unwritten, she is me!
At LCHS Kelley met another educator who would change her life – it was then-Principal Dr. Gerald Hudson, who is now the superintendent in Cedar Hill ISD.
“Dr. Hudson was very involved with the students,” Kelley said. “It was very nice to have a principal that was relatable. You could go into his office and talk about anything – academics, home life. He was very supportive.”
Sonja Roberts taught Kelley in the LCHS Future Teachers Internship program during her junior and senior years and they remain in contact.
“Her personality came out in teaching and working with students,” Roberts said. “She has a true heart for kids and always has. That energy that is uniquely Nikki will impact children for years.”
College/Career
Kelley attended Eastfield College, then transferred to Texas A&M University-Commerce. She earned a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (Early Childhood through Sixth Grade).
She was a student teacher in Mesquite ISD and taught kindergarten there for two years before applying to Cedar Hill ISD.
“I enjoyed being one of his students in high school and thought it would be really cool to come back and work as a teacher in Cedar Hill,” Kelley said.
Hudson is glad Kelley chose Cedar Hill ISD.
“Nikki Kelley was an exceptional scholar at LCHS, and her track record as an educator has been excellent,” Hudson said. “We are so proud to have her as a member of the Longhorn Family.”
Kelley teaches at Collegiate Prep where there is an accelerated curriculum. Scholars are in the Collegiate Pathway, which culminates with them taking college courses as juniors and seniors.
“She is a great addition and is truly passionate about her scholars,” Collegiate Chancellor Heath Koenig said. “She has high expectations and helps scholars be successful.”
Kelley is grateful for her mentor, longtime Plummer Elementary teacher Inass Barnes.
“I love helping new teachers,” Barnes said. “She is so open to learning new ideas for her classroom and scholars. She doesn’t hesitate to ask for assistance in any area and wants the best for her scholars and school.”