By Josh Beavers

Note: This is the third in a series of stories about people who go above and beyond to help our local schools.

This week: Mrs. Kelli Tims, principal of Homer Jr. High

 I will forever believe a friend will do a far better job sharing someone’s truth than I ever could. So when Kelli Tims was recommended as someone to highlight for her selfless endeavors to help our local children, I knew that I needed someone who knew her well to help tell the story.

This anonymous friend tells us: “Kelli is one of the kindest, most sincere people I have ever come across. Her love for children and her desire to encourage and help them achieve are so genuine. She works tirelessly and sacrificially to support and give to the children that God has placed in her path. She inspires children to dream of things they never thought possible for themselves and then will put in the work to help them achieve those dreams. It is a privilege to know her and be loved by her. Students who have had Kelli as a teacher or principal are incredibly blessed, and I know she will continue to be a blessing for many years to come.”

Kelli Tims has been an educator for nine years. She served the students of Webster Parish for seven and a half years and is now the principal of Homer Jr. High School. She is married to fellow educator James Tims, and the two will welcome a baby boy to the family in May.

“I was truly led to teaching by God,” Kelli told me.

She was extraordinarily humble when I told her people recommended her for a moment in the spotlight. There was a hint of reluctance, and I thought it would take some prodding to get her to go through with the interview.

She said: “I’m appreciative that someone would even think enough of me to nominate me for something of this magnitude. I’m not a person who is big on accolades and awards because I do things from the kindness of my heart and no expectation in return. Most things I’ve done won’t be publicized or recognized because it’s not about that for me; if it’s something done publicly it’s because I didn’t have the resources to do without the help of others. I’m a firm believer in Matthew 6:1-4. I am blessed because God continues to trust his resources with me to share with those around me.”

She shared details of her life such as the fact she always assisted her peers and younger students in the community with their school work.

“In high school, I considered teaching after taking Mrs. Ruby Musgrow’s chemistry class,” she said. “I was discouraged from entering the profession by several people because of my academic abilities. I earned a degree in Biochemistry from Southeastern Louisiana University, and just before graduation I visited an elementary school to pick up something from a friend. I had an encounter with the Holy Spirit in the hallway and knew I could no longer deny my passion for children and learning. Shortly after, I began my teaching career as a math teacher at Minden High School.”

What separates her from many teachers is that she goes far beyond her duties in the classroom and in the schoolhouse.

The question was: Why do you go above and beyond to help local families when most people do the bare minimum?

Her response: I believe it’s because of the values my parents instilled in me. Growing up we weren’t rich, but all of my needs were met. My mom is a social worker who would always go above and beyond to help those in need. My father is a mechanic who would help people when they needed it most and may not have the resources to go to most auto shops. I watched them give without a second thought. I was also the child who was involved in everything the community had to offer. I was rarely turned down for a fundraiser and always poured into by others. That’s something I’ll never forget or take for granted. My community was great to me as a child, and how dare I not return the favor to families today.

Another one of my questions: Is there any child that stands out in your mind that you were able to help make their lives better?

Her response: One child who stands out is the first student I helped achieve a high school diploma. This student had so much potential and needed to tap into it. I encountered a student in my first semester teaching. He was an upperclassman in remedial courses. He was one that others counted as a “lost cause.” We worked tirelessly over the next year to increase his attendance and make passing grades. At his graduation we both cried because the journey to get there wasn’t easy but definitely worth it. Most of his friends/peers with similar stories dropped out, but he made it.

Now in administration, she said her true calling is to the junior high/high school classroom.

“I’ve always liked secondary education because I wanted to catch the students who ‘fell through the cracks’,” she said. “It’s the challenge of being more persistent about their success than they are about their failure. I always say, ‘I’m more stubborn than you, so you have no choice but to do right.’ It may sound unorthodox, but it hasn’t failed me yet.”

(“For the Kids” is a series of regular feature stories published in the Webster Parish Journal. If you have a recommendation of someone who needs to be recognized for their work with our local school children, please reach out to Josh Beavers either through Facebook or email at joshwbeavers@gmail.com.)