This year CHS is not only losing an incredible group of 180 seniors, but several staff and faculty members as well. Among these is our fearless leader, Joyce Phillips, who has been principal at Corbin for 15 years.

   Mrs. Phillips said “I decided for sure that this was going to be my last year as principal of Corbin High School about a week ago. This year makes my 15^th year as principal here and my 29^th year in education overall.
   "I have always been so proud of the respect shown at this school between students and students, parents and teachers, just everyone in general; it really makes for a wonderful learning experience. I have truly loved it here, every minute of it. There are great kids and great teachers here; it’s just a great place to be.”

   Both co-workers and students are upset with the loss they will soon have to face.

   “I’m sad that she’s leaving, she has done a lot of great things for this school. There were doubters when she was hired that she wouldn’t be able to handle the job, and not only has she handled it but she’s done a fantastic job. She’s brought about many of the innovations that students now enjoy, because she was determined that this school could get better.  I’m proud to say that I once taught her and that I served with her,” said math teacher Linda Cupp.

   Sophomore Cody Harp said “we’ll be losing a great educator.”

   Junior Evan Baylor said “it breaks my heart. It’s like there’s a void inside me and I don’t know how it can be filled.”

   Senior Allison Chumbley said “her presence will be missed because she always has such a positive attitude.”

   English teacher Tim McCarty said “it’s the end of an era in a lot of ways. I was actually on the hiring committee that hired Mrs. Phillips and I’m sad to see her leave. Under her leadership we’ve won a lot of awards and recognitions and our school has grown quite a bit. Her biggest thing is she treated us all as professionals and allowed us to make decisions in our classrooms on our own. She’s the third principal I’ve taught under and she’s been the best one by far. She has always treated us very well and, no matter what, she does what’s best for her students with the understanding that the faculty are a part of the equation overall as well. It’s going be a big loss to the school.”

   Mrs. Phillips said "anything I've accomplished, I've had help with. I hope that while I've been here the climate of the school has been good. As a principal, I've always worked on respect. Also, we want our students to be actively involved in the learning process and I want to make sure my teachers have been involved in national teaching conferences."
     "We are ready for big changes in education and it's an exciting time. We have so many new programs and classes. I believe that you have to give students a hook to make them want to learn. We've got Project Lead the Way, Comunications Academy, MAPCA, environmental programs, things that will truly help the kids. For a small school, we really offer a lot," said Mrs. Phillips.
   Although Mrs. Phillips was well known in the community for the obvious value that she gave to the school through her official duties such as innovations and representing the school, most of the students know and appreciate her for her positive demeanor and friendly smile. 

   Junior Hailee Lewis said “Mrs. Phillips is very helpful, and she has always smiled and asked me how I’m doing, and I will miss the cheerful, friendly attitude that she has.”

   Mrs. Phillips said "I will miss the kids and the teachers; they're just fun to be around. It can be a bad day and then you have kids with smiles saying good morning Mrs. Phillips and it makes you feel better. I feel very fortunate to be here."
   However, there are some parts of her job she said she won't miss. "I love sports, but I won't miss going to all the games and I also won't miss all of the evening activities."   
   Mrs. Phillips said that a new principal will be chosen by the Site Based Decision Making Council and a new education law is that the superintendent will get to be a voting member on the council. Anyone who is interested will simply fill out their applications and then the site based council will vote.
   She said the first thing she will do when she leaves CHS is "go home and sleep for two weeks" before making any other future career decisions. This is her 29th year in education.
   "I feel very fortunate to have been principal here," she said. "Today's seniors were three years old when I began the job. I've enjoyed every minute of it. It's really bittersweet, the people have made it special."