Michael and Sandra Jenkins

2019 Inductees

Even though they started their teaching careers at other schools, it didn’t take long for them to gravitate back to their own alma maters.  They were both lifelong residents of Walker County and products of the Walker County public school system.  Michael taught at his former Chattanooga Valley High School from the late 70s until it closed to consolidate with Rossville.  Then, he continued teaching at Ridgeland High from opening day until he retired in 2014.  Sandra went back to Chattanooga Valley to teach at her elementary school from 1981 to 2016, when she retired.  Together they were instrumental in shaping the academic lives of countless regional athletes as well as countless other students.  As you all know very well, no pass, no play.  Their contributions to the athletes came not so much on the field or court, but in the classroom.  They firmly believed in work to instill in their students.  The importance of academic excellence combines with athletic success not just during high school but throughout their adult lives.  Michael did coach a very successful team at Ridgeland, the Academic Scholar’s bowl team.  If you ever attended a football game at Ridgeland you were probably greeted by one of the Jenkins.  They continued to work these posts after retirement until 2018 when Mr. Jenkins fought his final battle with cancer and we lost him in October.  Their support for Ridgeland High School was always evident and their influence has covered many generations.

–Rob Stinson, 2019