What’s Right With Our Schools, Ms. Ann Boston, Griffith Elementary
SEQUATCHIE COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – A familiar and beloved face is stepping away from the halls of Griffith Elementary School in Sequatchie County—one that has shaped generations with patience, kindness, and an unwavering devotion to children. Ms. Ann Boston, a paraprofessional who began her career in 1969, is saying farewell after an astounding 56 years of service.
Stephanie D. Smith, the Pre-K–6 Curriculum and Instruction Nursing Supervisor, expressed the depth of Ms. Ann’s impact, “A dear and cherished staff member at Griffith Elementary School in Sequatchie County is saying farewell to the classrooms and hallways she has called home for 56 years.”
Ms. Ann’s journey began when kindergarten was first introduced in the county.
“Well, I just always wanted to be around children and helping them,” she explained.
“And so the first year that we had kindergarten in this county, they needed an assistant. And so I applied for the job, and I’ve been here ever since.”
The word dedication hardly captures her legacy.
Ms. Ann didn’t just work at the school—she shaped it, year after year, student by student.
Her calm presence, big hugs, and tireless support helped countless children learn to read, gain confidence, and grow into themselves.
Smith elaborated, “You won’t find a more devoted individual who loves and cares about students like Ms. Ann Boston does. It is a story of love and dedication to generations of our county’s students.”
Second grade teacher Pam Anderson echoed the sentiment. “I’ve arranged my schedule for the last two years so that I could have Ms. Ann work in my classroom in the mornings, and she has been such a blessing,” Anderson shared.
“She’s probably taught most of the people in this town how to read.”
Indeed, her love for helping others has always been front and center.
Ms. Ann explained what made her role so rewarding, “It’s very just… to see them grow and, you know, progress throughout the year. And sometimes you think one is not going to make it, and up about March, they start to bloom, and it’s beautiful.”
Her compassion extended well beyond the classroom.
As Smith recalled, “Her work ethic and heart are unmatched. She even catered my wedding—just days after suffering a heart attack. Most would have canceled, but not her. She showed up with trays full of food and love, as always, pouring herself into every detail like nothing could stop her. That’s just who she is.”
In fact, Ms. Ann’s influence is deeply rooted in both the school and the community.
Beyond her role at Griffith Elementary, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
She also ran a successful catering business and was known for her legendary petit fours.
“Probably made millions over the years,” Smith noted, each one “crafted with care and a touch of magic.”
Second grade teacher and team leader Pam Whitlow also reflected on her long history with Ms. Ann, “It has been great working with Ms. Ann. It’s been a privilege. She teaches us things, and I’m thankful for that,” she said.
“I’ve actually known Ms. Ann since I was a kindergarten student. She was the teacher’s aide in my kindergarten class. So I have great memories of her, and it was such a privilege to get to teach with her when I became a teacher.”
On Ms. Ann’s last day, the emotions were palpable. A young girl named JaseLynn hugged her tightly and expressed, “I’m gonna miss you a lot.”
She held her close and replied warmly, “Well, I might just have to come back and visit there sometime.”
The classroom filled with voices of children eager to share what made Ms. Ann so special:
• “Reading is the best, because she helps us and helps us read a lot.”
• “She helps me spell if I didn’t spell a word right.”
• “She helps lots of people learn how to read and go up to a higher level than they are.”
• “All the people here love her so much.”
• “I miss Ms. Ann because she helped other students and she does a really good job
at watching them.”
Everyone in the room—students, teachers, staff—gathered around the beloved Ms. Ann, echoing the same sentiment, “We love you, Ms. Ann.”
She smiled, hugged them all, and simply replied, “I love you.”
Though Ms. Ann is retiring from her daily role, her legacy at Griffith Elementary will live on in every child who learned to read under her care, every colleague she supported, and every heart she touched with her kindness.
As Smith so perfectly expressed, “Though Mrs. Ann may be stepping away from her daily duties at Griffith Elementary, her influence will continue to live on in every student she taught how to read, every coworker she inspired, and every smile and hug she shared.”
The halls of Griffith may feel a little different without her, but Ms. Ann’s story—one of compassion, strength, and a lifelong devotion to children—will never be forgotten.
