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Letter to the Editor

Randy, Terry Frazier Lauded for Service

Posted

The 2023 Weakley County School graduates crossed stages, received diplomas, and took their next steps on paths that may prove to be challenging and we hope will be successful. Before the month is out, a gentleman who crossed the same stage as me back in 1979 will successfully conclude a career in education. Randy Frazier has more than proven he was up for the challenge of serving as teacher, principal, coach and director of schools. When he closes the door at the Board of Education in Dresden for the last time in that role and assumes his well-earned mantle of retiree, if he stays true to his nature, it will be without fanfare. But, I, for one among what I believe are many, want to at least express my appreciation for all he has brought to the school system and the county.

As a fellow Greenfield graduate those decades ago, I knew Randy only as a good basketball player and the then boyfriend of my friend Terry. After I left the area, I heard they married and had children. When I returned, I learned she had been his helpmate at home and the workplace and they were now grandparents, cancer survivors, and Cardinal fans. What I also soon learned was that “faithful service” described them both.

I was thrilled when all the pieces fell into place and I could begin to shine the spotlight on the many positive stories unfolding in our ten schools as the school system’s communications person. With Randy as now my boss and me as his Communications Director, I spent time asking lots of questions to get a sense of his priorities. Soon I realized, Randy Frazier was all about the students. Student safety came first when he and the transportation director had to drive the potentially icy roads in the wee hours of the morning to determine if conditions merited school closings. Student achievement was of critical importance when he was addressing absenteeism, trying to budget for as many options as possible, investing in personnel and programs that would excite and ignite young minds. Student well-being was of the utmost concern when more counselors were required, the arts needed emphasis and support, and the pandemic meant children would miss meals and, possibly, learning.

The pandemic cemented my respect for the quiet assurance with which Randy made hard decisions. Never one to fret over popularity, he listened to experts, weighed the circumstances and found the way and the means to see 420,000 meals made in a confusion-soaked summer of COVID and classes taught in an anxiety-filled school year.

I’m glad that the many years the Fraziers have invested in Weakley County will now offer the rewards for their labor. I wish them well as they trade caring for 4000 kids for those sweet grandchildren. And, if they get what they deserve, reminders everyday in words of thanks and praise for making this area WeakleyStrong.

Karen Campbell