John Rickman will be celebrated as the 25th recipient of the Clyde W. Smith Junior Leadership Award winner this Tuesday when the Tullahoma Board of Education holds its October meeting.
In August, the Tullahoma City Schools Board of Education nominated and unanimously approved Rickman as this year’s Clyde W. Smith Junior Leadership Award recipient. This honor is named after the former school board chairman, who died in 2010 and recognizes individuals connected to TCS with strong ties to the community and education. Tuesday’s reception is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. at the TCS Administration Building, located at 510 S Jackson St.
“It's very humbling to receive this award,” Rickman said. “The other 24 recipients before me were very accomplished in the field of education. To be named this year’s winner is an honor.”
Rickman began teaching at Tullahoma City Schools in 1969, where he was a physical education instructor at East Junior High School. On top of being a teacher, Rickman also coached the East track and field squads, as well as the girls and boys basketball teams. As track and field coach, Rickman helped lead the Panthers to over a 20-year stretch where they did not lose a meet.
“It really is amazing,” Rickman said about that over 20-year winning streak. “As a physical education teacher, it was easy for me to see and identify students who would be talented in certain events.”
While teaching and coaching, Rickman also found himself as the talent show coordinator and helped run special events at East, such as the knowledge bowl and spelling bee. He also had a talent of his own and was known for playing his guitar and singing some of the songs that he wrote with his students.
“I loved getting to be myself,” Rickman said about his favorite part of being an educator at TCS. “I remember at our school, every teacher had a two-week period in which we had to be early and late. On those days, I would bring my guitar, sit at the gym doorway, and welcome students as they arrived at school. Some of those students would sit around and listen to me, or some would go in and take a seat.”
Rickman would occasionally perform during the school’s talent show. One of his favorite songs that he wrote and performed was titled “The Folks of Mayberry,” in reference to the Andy Griffith Show.
“The students really liked that one,” Rickman said. “Also, when the talent show judges would go and vote for the winners, we would sometimes have a whistling competition and see who was the best Andy Griffith whistler. It was always fun. I just had fun doing what I did.”
Rickman retired from teaching in 1998 but has remained active in the Tullahoma Community. He spent 21 years as a realtor with Weichert, Realtors - Joe Orr and Associates. He also spent 20 years as a Rotarian and served as president in 2005. He was also the Creating Educational Opportunities liaison between East Middle School and Microcraft and spent a year as President of the Tullahoma City Education Association.
Rickman is an active member of Grace Baptist Church and continues to use his guitar to sing and write songs. For 50 years, he has been a part of a musical trio called us two and him. He also has a segment on Tullahoma Living called Conversations with John and Pat on LightTube.
Every once in a while, Rickman will see his former students and athletes in public. During those conversations, those individuals sometimes share stories and tell Rickman about how he positively impacted their lives. Those moments are something that Rickman treasures.
“There is no feeling like it to tell you the truth,” Rickman said. “I always thought my job as a middle school teacher was to usher a child into adolescence and adulthood to some degree.”
Rickman’s dedication to students and his passion for teaching and coaching did not go unnoticed, and on Tuesday, he will be recognized for his service. He also wanted to thank his wife, Barb, his daughter, Mary Rickman Dayton, and his sons, Chris and Mark, for their support.
“The TCS Board of Education is proud to honor Coach John Rickman as the 2024 Clyde W. Smith Junior Leadership Award recipient,” said Board Chairman Kim Uselton. “Coach Rickman inspired countless students through his dedication to teaching and coaching. This award is a testament to his extraordinary influence in the classroom and community.
Comments