Kempsville High School is standing out not just for its academic achievements, but for its unique legacy. A remarkable 29 alumni now serve on the faculty, blending personal history with professional dedication to inspire the next generations. 

“I came back because I wanted to provide students opportunities that they wouldn’t have otherwise been able to take part in,” said Meghan Timlin, the Academy Coordinator at Kempsville. 

Mrs. Timlin, a proud graduate of the class of 1998, has dedicated 18 out of her 22 years in education to Kempsville. 

“I love the pride and school spirit that just emanates from the school and student body,” Mrs. Timlin shared, highlighting what makes Kempsville special.

“I wanted to be someone who would say ‘yes’ to student activities and to create meaningful programming that would last here at Kempsville,” she explained, emphasizing her goal of providing opportunities for students that they might not otherwise have.

Katie Mounce, a current English teacher at Kempsville and 2009 graduate, has a similar perspective on why she decided to come back to Kempsville. 

A involved student while in school, Mrs. Mounce said she was “eager to see how [she] could help support the school spirit of future Kempsville generations” as she loved the “spirit and enthusiasm [her] peers shared when [she] was a student.”

Sarah Routsis, the Senior Internship Coordinator for the Entrepreneurship and Business Academy, adds another layer to the narrative. A 2006 graduate, she returned to Kempsville after starting her teaching career at the middle school level.

“I remember as a student always being excited for the next thing,” Mrs. Routsis reflects. “Now that I’m back, I tell my seniors to slow down and enjoy this time, because it goes by so fast.”

Mrs. Routsis values the rich traditions and history of Kempsville with some of her favorites being homecoming and boo bash.

Mrs. Timlin, Mrs. Mounce, and Mrs. Routsis illustrate how their own personal connections to Kempsville shape their experiences as educators. The common thread among them is a desire to give back to the community that shaped them. Whether it’s the school spirit, traditions, or the opportunity to support and inspire future generations, their motivations are directly connected to the legacy of Kempsville.

As they blend their past with their present, they not only enrich the school community, but also create an environment where current students can thrive. This ensures that the heart of Kempsville continues to beat strong.