All of us realize how special classmates are, and we also realize how devastating it is to lose a classmate.
The TCCHS Class of 1973 is one such class who has lost a dear classmate in recent years. That classmate, Mrs. Joe Nell Glenn Waters, impacted the lives of so many people during her years of education, many of those years in the classroom and many others in the role of administrator including several as principal of TCCHS. A colleague of Ms. Joe Nell penned at the time of her death, “I truly enjoyed working with Mrs. Waters at Montgomery Central Middle School. She was definitely a class act and special lady. She will always hold a special place in my heart.” Mrs. Susan Carroll, a 1973 classmate and friend of Ms. Joe Nell, shared, “Joe Nell was an extraordinary lady with an unwavering faith. She loved her family, her friends, and especially the many students she served throughout her career as a teacher and school administrator. Joe Nell was truly an inspiration to everyone who knew her.”
Noting she was a lifelong friend, Joe Ted Gray, another classmate of Ms. Joe Nell, messaged, “Joe Nell’s work on behalf of students went far beyond the academic realm. She was known to help provide prom dresses for students who could not afford them. She was also known to accompany students to court when they found themselves in unfortunate circumstances.” Teresa Sanders Turner, another member of the Class of 1973, emailed, “As a friend, teacher, and administrator, she was the best of the best.” John Quirk, another colleague of Ms. Joe Nell, posted, “Joe Nell possessed a genuine southern charm which affected everyone she touched, and she touched thousands – students, fellow teachers, and friends. So much generosity in one person is always rare.”
In an effort to honor Ms. Joe Nell and her love of education, the TCCHS Class of 1973 has teamed up with the TCCHS Alumni Foundation, Inc. to provide the “Joe Nell Glenn Waters Memorial Scholarship.” The scholarship, which will be offered to the TCCHS Class of 2025, is geared to students with a 2.5 or better GPA. A committee of the Class of 1973 will decide upon the amount of the scholarship once they have monies collected. They do anticipate at least one $1000 scholarship with additional scholarships possibly available based on the amount of money the Class of 1973 generates. Because the Alumni Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, the Class of 1973 asked to collaborate with the alumni group. The organizers shared with members of the alumni group they anticipate many donations being made for Ms. Joe Nell’s scholarship. The class members also have designed the scholarship to be available either for students intending to major in either academic or technical areas.
If you are interested in donating to the “Joe Nell Glenn Waters Memorial Scholarship,” you can send your donation to the TCCHS Alumni Foundation, Inc. at P.O. Box 611, Elkton, KY 42220. Class members have already mailed out a post card encouraging classmates and others who knew Ms. Joe Nell to donate to this scholarship effort. They do request in the memo section of your check to designate the money is for the “Joe Nell Glenn Waters Memorial Scholarship.” Since the scholarship application is due on April 15, 2025, seniors are encouraged to link to https://tcchs-alumni.org/2025-tcchs-alumni-foundation-scholarships/ to download the TCCHS Alumni Foundation, Inc.’s scholarship application. Ms. Joe Nell’s scholarship can be found on pages 9 and 10 of that application.
~ Article by Carolyn L. Wells
February 7, 2025
