Kathleen (Katie) Adkins is our 2024 READ USA Marjorie Broward Memorial Scholarship Award Honoree. Named in honor of librarian Marjorie Broward, the READ USA Marjorie Broward Memorial Scholarship Award is presented to a school leader who exemplifies Marjorie’s commitment to service, community, and the common good. Marjorie established libraries all over the globe and, closer to home, initiated JAX READS and many other book-related projects during her 95 years on this earth, and we couldn’t think of a better person to reflect Marjorie’s commitment than Principal Adkins.
Principal Katie Adkins has led the team at the new Rutledge H. Pearson Elementary School since it opened its doors for the first time this school year. A Jacksonville native, Principal Adkins knew she wanted to become an educator when she was 12 years old at Mandarin Middle School. Miss Carson, her U.S. History teacher, made the subject so fun and interesting that, “I was captured,” Principal Adkins shared with Jeremy, READ USA’s fictional namesake storyteller of the Jeremy’s Journey book series, when her book was published earlier this year. “That got me into education, and I never looked back!”
Growing up, her parents encouraged servant leadership and good citizenship, which has stuck with her all her life. “You can’t lead others without wanting to serve them. It is important to put yourself in the other person’s shoes and find out where they want to go and how fast they want to get there. Then, help them achieve their goals,” she told Jeremy. She has since dedicated her life and career to educating our community’s youth.
Her professional journey began in 2002 where she taught 3rd- and 4th-grade students at Pickett Elementary School before serving as a reading coach. She then served as assistant principal at Carter G. Woodson before becoming principal of Sally B. Mathis Elementary and Reynolds Lane Elementary before heeding the call to lead the much-larger, brand-new Rutledge H. Pearson Elementary, which combined two former schools. “Learning how to combine three communities into one of cultural unity, making sure everybody knows everybody, and I know them all…It’s a blessing in disguise,” Principal Adkins shared with Jeremy.
At Rutledge H. Pearson, Principal Adkins has led several innovative initiatives, including implementing the Ron Clark Academy House System – aimed at promoting cultural unity to help bring students and adults together – a STEM Lab, TEAM UP after-school activities, and a Robotics Club. She has also placed intentional focus on building positive relationships with teachers, families, students, and the broader community. And of course, Principal Adkins, as a former reading coach, has placed a strong emphasis on reading in her school to help her kids, “Be Good, Be Great!” which is her personal slogan.
“READ USA has been a part of Rutledge H. Pearson Elementary School for two years now,” she shared. “Over that time, my students have grown confidence in reading and have experienced true success. When READ USA tutors arrive, my students are excited to see them every day. READ USA will always be a part of the Rutledge H. Pearson Elementary family.”
And we are immensely grateful to be a part of your family, Principal Adkins! Thank you for all that you do, day in and day out, to help your students succeed and become lifelong readers and learners!
You can read more about Principal Adkins by ordering her Jeremy’s Journey book for $20/copy here.