Conquering obstacles: Davenport overcomes hurdles to help students in similar situations

By WILL STEWART / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

Christy Davenport, right, overcame tremendous obstacles to graduate college and become a teacher. She is seen here with Betty Stacey, a current co-worker who was her former Title I teacher who inspired her to succeed.

Overcoming an array of hardships during her own days as a student, Christy Davenport is now helping other struggling students find similar success as she completes her first year as a Title I teacher at Centertown and Morrison schools.

Growing up, Davenport had to overcome many obstacles to find the success she enjoys today. In addition to several physical handicaps, she had to raise her three brothers and sisters while living in her grandmother’s home, where she said education was unvalued.

To make matters worse, she had difficulty reading. She was saved, she said, by the Title I program. A federally funded program, Title I provides teachers for schools with a high poverty rate. These teachers work as a tutor in small groups with students who have difficulties in reading and math. Without the program, and especially teacher Betty Stacey, it would have been very difficult for Davenport to graduate from high school – and near impossible for her to earn her college degree.

“She (Stacey) saw me as a person despite my handicaps. She saw I could learn and do what anyone else can do and she helped me through those times I had difficulties,” Davenport said.

After graduating high school, Davenport felt the calling to become a teacher herself. She graduated from both Motlow State Community College and MTSU, not once slipping from either school’s dean list.

A third-year teacher, this is her first as a Title I teacher. She said it is a very rewarding experience, one made all the more unique because she is able to share her story of triumph over obstacles with her students, showing them anything is possible.

“I want my students to never forget that challenges are only that – challenges – a way to stretch your abilities and help you succeed,” she said.

As luck would have it, Davenport now teaches alongside Stacey.

“I’m absolutely amazed at what she has been able to accomplish. I’m very, very proud of her,” said Stacey. “Working with her is wonderful. She always goes above and beyond what’s required and is always asking what she can do for others.”

Davenport’s success has earned her a nomination for a Title I Distinguished Graduate Award given by the National Association of State Title I Directors. The awards, two of which are given per state, are to recognize former Title I students who have gone on to lead productive lives and who can serve as role models for struggling students.

Should she be selected, Davenport will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the National Title I Conference to be held early next year in Anaheim, Calif.

Said school system federal programs director Priscilla Wanamaker, “The Warren County School System is so proud to have Christy representing us and hopefully the state of Tennessee as a Distinguished Title I graduate. No matter if she is chosen or not, she is a winner in our eyes.”