Dawn Dickinson Sharp is a 1978 graduate of Todd County Central High School.
She values most from her time in school the opportunity to learn from top-notch teachers who had high expectations and who believed in her ability to grow and succeed. She adds being involved in band was a very impactful learning area for her. Her experience there, as well as her involvement in the choir both as a singer and pianist, prepared her to pursue a music degree in college and she is so grateful Todd Central’s opportunities were able to lead her into a very fulfilling career.
Sharp has fond memories of marching band competitions, pep band at ball games, performing in musicals and senior year speech competitions, as well as her wonderful friends and teachers. She adds the Class of ’78 was one of the few classes who held graduation on Todd Central’s football field and she has many special memories surrounding her graduation.
She advises current Todd Central students to focus on getting as much as they can out of their education. She says to learn all they can, even in a subject they don’t particularly like right now, and to do their best in their academic work. Also, to pick an extracurricular they will really enjoy doing. Sharp adds to be kind and respectful to everyone and to minimize social media and life on their phone.
Sharp reminds current educators they are in such an important profession, so to stay focused on their students and their needs. She says to turn off the outside stressors that bring them down as a teacher and save enough of their energy for their own health and on enjoying their family. She thanks teachers for all they do.
After graduating, Sharp earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Belmont College before receiving her master’s in education from Austin Peay State University. She also earned a teaching certification in early-middle childhood music.
Since then, she has been an elementary music educator for 35 years. She retired in 2020 after 27 years of teaching at South Todd Elementary and is now involved in church music ministry, piano teaching and performing.
Sharp was born in Marietta, Georgia and currently lives in Elkton. She has three children, Garrett, Emily and Collin, and three grandchildren, Beau, Brooks and Blake.
Spotlights on Todd Central alumni are part of a partnership between WEKT and the TCCHS Alumni Foundation, Inc. To be featured, please visit the Alumni Foundation’s website to fill out the application.
