Kim Rascoe ~ “I Am Bertie Black History”

~Kim Rascoe~ Principal, CITI High School, Nash County Public Schools After a short stint as an assistant principal in one of the largest school districts in eastern North Carolina, Kimberly “Kim” Rascoe became a principal of a new educational concept for the county, CITI (Center for Industry, Technology & Innovation) High School. As the school district has seasoned professionals who could have taken the charge to lead such an important venture, they chose wisely in selecting a Bertie County native. Kim is making “boss” moves for the school district, as principal of CITI High. She is Bertie Black History, and we are extremely proud. 

TCV1:  What community/street did you grow up in as a Bertie County youngster?

KR1: I grew up in the K…Front Street, Kelford!  I loved every minute of living in Kelford.  It’s small, but we’re family and I so appreciate all of the life lessons I learned while growing up there.  When I was 12, I moved to Governor’s Road…right across from Perdue in Lewiston.  However, I am still Kelford born and raised!

TCV2:  What’s your very first thought/memory of life in Bertie?

KR2:  When I was around 3 or 4, I would always go with my paternal grandmother to visit older relatives.  She was a caring woman that did a lot for people in our area.  She fed all of Kelford and took care of so many people.  I loved going with my Grandma Baysis to visit people and just see her being selfless.  She cared for so many, even when she didn’t feel well.  I think that is where I began to have a drive for helping others.

TCV3:  What age did you develop a love for Education?

KR3:  Not quite sure of the age.  School always came easy to me.  I always received tons of certificates and awards each year.  My mom still has all of my certificates.  I think around 7th or 8th grade was when I realized Math was so easy to me, whereas it was difficult for many other students.  I knew in 9th grade with Ms. Beverly Riddick that I loved Math.  I made sure to register for Math each semester at Bertie High because it was so easy to me.  While at Elizabeth City State University, I took every math class offered by the school.  I wanted to work in research while in college, but then I began tutoring other students.  This was when I realized the gift— I wanted to teach.  I wanted to provide some skills for people that “hated” math.  I wanted to give them the opportunity to be okay with math and not be intimidated by it. 

TCV4:  Who were the most influential people who formed who you are—As a person? As an educator?

KR4:  As a person – my mother, Alice Rascoe.  She has taught my sister and I the true meaning of work ethic.  She has been my rock in many situations, both personally and professionally.  “Quality over quantity” is what she always tells me and my sister.  I strive daily to produce quality results in all that I do. Also, my father, Bobby Rascoe, shaped me to be the person I am.  From a very young age, my daddy taught me that I can do anything I wanted.  I could be whoever I wanted.  It would take some work, but never to let anyone make me feel as if I was not as good as the next person.  As an educator – I have to say Mrs. Beverly Riddick.  If it wasn’t for Mrs. Riddick, I would probably have never loved math so much.  Dr. Dipendra Sengupta (ECSU) was my advisor and initially scheduled the tutoring sessions that began my love for teaching.  Dr. Mark Cockrell has been the biggest influence in my administrative career.  I taught under Dr. Cockrell, and he saw the leadership ability in me.  After receiving my Master’s degree, he offered me an Assistant Principal position.  I soaked in as much information as I could from Dr. Cockrell during this time.  Even now, if I have a question, I’ll call him….sometimes even to just vent.

TCV5:  What is your most memorable high school experience? How did it shape you?

KR5:  I have a lot of memorable experiences in high school but one that sticks out involves my grandmother, Gramp.  I remember taking AP Biology in 12th grade.  The class would have to stay over after school to work on labs, assignments, etc.  Well, I didn’t drive and for two working parents, Windsor was too far from Kelford to be picked up from school.  Gramp worked at Wrangler in Windsor and said that she would pick me up.  I complained because she got off at 5:00 and my after school session was over at 4:00.  Gramp told me if you really want to do something then you will do it.  No excuses needed.  Even now in life, I know the will I have for anything has to be stronger than my excuses.

TCV6:  What college(s) did you attend? Why those choices?

KR6:  I attended Elizabeth City State University because it was free!  No, I actually attended ECSU because my sister was enrolled there.  I would go and visit her on campus some weekends and I fell in love.  I was afraid to go too far from home and I felt like Elizabeth City was close enough.  I received my Master’s Degree from Gardner-Webb University.  Gardner-Webb’s program was great for working people.  I would teach and then have to meet in class one night a week.  It was convenient and they provided a lot of support.

TCV7:  What is one thing that college (undergrad) taught you about life? 

KR7:  Elizabeth City State introduced me to some new people from all over.  I met some of my best friends in college.  It was just great to be able to experience life outside of Kelford.  I experienced so many things while in undergrad.  ECSU was a small school, but it taught me how to appreciate the little things.  Life is what you make of it. 

TCV8:  What is one thing that the graduate experience(s) taught you about life?

KR8:   Graduate school taught me that sometimes you have to sacrifice to become successful.

TCV9:  What are three of your most proud professional accomplishments?

KR9:  I am proud of my education.  I am proud of the relationships, professional and personal, that I have built with so many people.  I am proud of my students—past, present and future.

TCV10:  What is one word that sums up your professional journey, thus far?

KR10:   Grateful

TCV11:  What are three of your greatest personal accomplishments?

KR11: — Purchasing a house.  It’s a small thing to some people, but it felt good to buy my own house. –The relationships I have with my friends and family.  I love all of the people in my life and I feel at this age, it is an accomplishment to have friendships that I have lasted for 20+ years.  –Graduating college, both undergrad and grad.

TCV12:   What advice would you give young boys/girls that would motivate and inspire them to accomplish their goals?

KR12:  Don’t give up.  Don’t allow where you come from to stop where you could go.

TCV13:  Your favorite quote?

KR13:  “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela

TCV14:  Today, I am grateful for­­­­________. (One word)

KR14:  Today, I am grateful for LIFE…a lot of people didn’t wake up today.  But each and every day that I open my eyes, I am grateful.