In 2006, Cody Reese graduated from East Knox High School.
Now, 15 years later, he is the new principal of East Knox Jr./Sr. High School.
“I feel fortunate and blessed that I’ve been given the opportunity to serve the community in this capacity,” Reese told the Mount Vernon News. “I’m certainly looking forward to it.”
Reese played football as a student at East Knox.
He went on to become a classroom teacher at Highland Elementary and Highland High School in Sparta before being hired as principal of East Knox Elementary six years ago. In his third year as principal, he became the high school’s head football coach.
“As youth, I enjoyed working with kids, watching them learn and grow,” he said. “Helping kids became a passion of mine.”
Sports can be an important component of education, Reese added.
“You get to learn life lessons,” he said. “We talk quite a bit about life lessons, especially when we’re out on the football field, how they can translate into life and why we should develop good habits. I’ve played a lot of sports and had a lot of good role models growing up.”
Even as the new principal of East Knox he plans to remain active in the football program.
“I am still the head football coach,” he said. "I call the offense as well.”
Reese will face challenges both on the field and in the classrooms.
“We are thankful to have Mr. Reese step into the role of Jr./Sr high school principal,” East Knox school superintendent Steve Larcomb said. “He will have the daunting task of maintaining the graduation rates we experienced the last five years as well as increasing scores in other areas. Mr. Reese’s strong community ties and established relationships with students and parents will aid him greatly as he experiences the rigors and dedication that are crucial to success in that position.”
