CCCHS’s English department received a new addition to its hard working staff this year. After teaching at Cascade High School for two years, Mrs. Kaitlin Duke, a former CCCHS graduate, is back home teaching Honors English II and AP Language and Composition. Mrs. Duke made clear her hopes of establishing strong relationships with each of her students as well as her coworkers. Another goal of Mrs. Duke’s is that her students pass their AP exams. As a former graduate, Mrs. Duke now feels a special connection to the school and students. “Ever since I’ve been here I’ve felt like things have clicked and I really just feel at home,” said Mrs. Duke. She now teaches in the classroom previously occupied by one of her favorite teachers, Mrs. Joyce McCullough. Additionally, she now works with Mrs. Rhonda Winton, who had a key influence in her decision to become a teacher.

When studying at CCCHS, Mrs. Duke was an editor for the newspaper. This resulted in her being asked by classmates to proofread their work. Initially the idea of helping people improve their writing, prompted her to fall in love with English. After studying at Tennessee Tech University, she began teaching and she soon realized the most important purpose and reason in following her career choice was for the students.

In addition to teaching Mrs. Duke enjoys reading, traveling and cooking. We are very glad to have Mrs. Duke at CCCHS and look forward to the years to come.