The new leadership team is now in place at Lynn Camp Middle School with Travis Canady being selected assistant principal. Canady joins Todd Merida, principal, who assumed his role just weeks prior.
“I am excited and honored to announce that I have accepted the position of Assistant Principal at Lynn Camp Middle/High School,” Canady shared with staff and members of Knox County Middle School where he was a teacher.
“After eight years of teaching and coaching within Knox County Schools, I am energized by the opportunity to serve in a new capacity that will allow me to have a broader impact on the school community.”
Canady was sparked by the opportunity to reach and support students on a larger scale when applying for the position. As a teacher and coach, Canady shared with Lynn Camp’s SBDM council that he has always been passionate about making connections with students, and this new position would allow him to continue that work in an expanded way.
“Building those relationships will remain my top priority and I will continue to be a resource for their academic, social, and personal growth,” said Canady.
Success in his past eight years with Knox County Schools includes student relationships. Coming from Knox County Middle, and coaching multiple teams, Canady can tell you that knowing the students and being available to them is key to school success.
“Students can expect me to be approachable, supportive, and deeply invested in them. Whether they need advice, guidance, or just someone to listen, my door will always be open. My goal is to ensure that each student feels valued, challenged, and prepared for whatever lies ahead,” said Canady.
“To the students and their families, you can count on me to be compassionate, solution-oriented, and focused on creating an environment where all students can thrive.”
One of the biggest challenges that Canady sees moving out of the classroom is that very relationship and connection. “I’ve spent the past several years connecting with students on a daily basis in my team at KCMS. However, I see this transition as an opportunity to support both students and staff in new and meaningful ways.”
Stepping out of the classroom into the assistant principal position is one that he wants faculty to view as an advantage.
“I want you to know that I understand the challenges you face. Having just come from where you are now, I’ve been in the trenches. I know how demanding the work is within a classroom,” shared Canady.
“My goal is to support you in every way possible, whether it’s helping with classroom management, offering professional development, or simply being a sounding board when you need one. I am here to be an advocate for you and to work alongside you as we continue to provide the best possible education for our students.”
Canady already has a vision for his future at Lynn Camp and wants current and past Wildcats to be a part of it.
“As we move forward together, I am excited to see what we can achieve as a school community. I am beyond thankful for this opportunity. I look forward to working with the incredible students, staff, and families of Lynn Camp Middle/High School.”
As for his own family, they are already preparing to join the orange and black of the Lynn Camp Wildcats.
“My wife, Hannah, works as a school counselor within the district, and our 2-year-old daughter, Gia Blair, has already perfected the “Go Wildcats!” chant—so our family is deeply invested in the success of Lynn Camp.”
His final words as he begins work on Monday as assistant principal, “together, I know we can continue the proud Wildcat tradition and make this school year one of the best yet! Go Wildcats!”