Martha “Deanie” Powell is a 1978 graduate of Todd County Central High School.
Powell says that farming as a child taught her the meaning of hard work and established a strong work ethic – and the roots of her family farm. She adds education is her life, built on her love of reading as a child and her calling to educate others. At Todd Central, Powell says she had some fabulous teachers who instilled in her the love of learning and excitement of being a lifelong learner.
This is something she values most from her time in high school, as well as the life-long friendships she made. She says her memories and experiences off the farm are what she treasures most about Todd Central and that she found a different world there.
Powell says she’s always enjoyed school, and her most memorable experiences are of typing class with Mrs. Mallory, writing with Miss Wells, poetry with Ms. Bradshaw, working in the cafeteria under Mrs. Miller and history class with Mrs. Coursey. She adds the pep rallies were a lot of fun as well.
Another memory she treasures from Todd Central is having a poem of hers published in the Rebel Rouser. She adds graduation night was also special, and she still has the ID bracelet her friend and classmate Phyllis gave to her.
After graduating, Powell attended Hopkinsville Community College to earn her associate’s degree, Murray State University for a bachelor’s in elementary education and the University of the Cumberlands for a master’s in elementary education. She is also a literary specialist.
Powell advises current Todd Central students to make goals, both little and lofty ones, lay out the steps to meet them and work toward them – no excuses, just progress. However, they shouldn’t forget to have some fun, because it goes by all too quickly. To current educators, the same advice, and not to forget to set aside some “me time.”
Powell lives in Elkton, Kentucky and has four children, Crystal Sisco, David Sisco, Travis Powell and Katy Powell.
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.
