Meet Marion's citizen of the month, a devoted educator
On Tuesday, the Marion City Council recognized Kay Peppers Medford as the Citizen of the Month for May.
She was chosen by Councilwoman Ann Harkey during Tuesday’s regular council meeting.
Growing up in the East Marion community, Medford came from a family with a background in teaching. Both her mother and her aunt were teachers. After completing high school, she received her Bachelor of Science degree from Mars Hill University, a master’s degree from Western Carolina University and an administration degree from Gardner-Webb University.
On Tuesday, the Marion City Council recognized Kay Peppers Medford (center) as the Citizen of the Month for May. She was chosen for this honor by Council Member Ann Harkey (left). Mayor Steve Little (right) presented Medford with a certificate.
She started her teaching career at Pleasant Gardens Elementary under Principal John Roach, then transferred to the city of Marion, teaching fourth grade at East Marion Elementary. Her daughter Anna was born in 1971. Medford stayed home for Anna’s first year of life. She returned to the classroom at Eastfield Global Magnet School, then moved on to East McDowell Junior High, teaching seventh grade. She returned to Eastfield Global Magnet School, teaching all grades under the leadership of Jim Gorst.
“He noticed something very special in the way Kay taught her students, so he encouraged her to pursue her administrative degree,” Harkey said.
In 1994, she was off to the McDowell County Schools Central Office, where she became an observer evaluator for three years. She then became the principal at Nebo Elementary School.
Medford took care of her grandson while her daughter Anna began her own teaching career at West Marion Elementary School.
In total, Medford devoted more than 50 years of her life to McDowell County Schools. Even after her retirement, McDowell County Schools recruited her to do interims as a principal six different times, according to Harkey.
During these years, Medford served on many boards, including the McDowell County Library Board and the McDowell education board, consisting of county commissioners, the school system and McDowell Technical Community College.
“This is a testament to what Kay meant to McDowell County Schools,” Harkey said.
Medford married Harold Dean Medford at East Marion Baptist Church in 1968.
She continues to serve her community as the vice chair at MTCC. She also serves on the Little League Board and is the pianist at East Marion Methodist Church. Her husband was the first president of the Little League in McDowell County. In 2018, the Big League Camp Little League honored Harold Dean by naming the press box in his honor, according to Harkey.
“Maple Leaf is home at the present time, and a new plaque honoring Harold Dean will be placed there before spring ball starts,” Harkey said. “Kay’s love of baseball comes from Harold Dean.”
At Tuesday’s meeting, Mayor Steve Little presented Medford with a certificate as the Citizen of the Month for May.
