By NJ Clausen

September is here and fall is just around the corner. Students are back in the classroom, learning something new every day. This month I have the pleasure of presenting to you someone who is well versed in education…Trish Gainey.

Born in North Carolina, Trish has an older sister, and had a younger brother born with Down’s Syndrome. Unlike today where these special children are integrated into the school system, her parents were urged to put him into private programs. Trish proudly shared his many accomplishments, including being a Boy Scout and holding a job when he was older before his passing at 52 years of age.

As a child, Trish loved sports, especially basketball with her friend Johnny, who could never beat her! Trish also enjoyed girl scouting and camping, starting as a Brownie and continuing up to a counselor. In school, Trish especially enjoyed chorus and physical education; however, when she was in high school there were no women athletics (Title 9 changed that in 1972). As she was a very athletic individual, Trish was part of the Girls Athletic Association where she played field hockey, basketball, and joined any team with a ball. She also played guitar in a 4-piece group named “Just Us.”

After high school, Trish went to Winthrop College, and earned the 1st of several degrees. With her BS Science degree, she was hired by a private academy to teach grades K-12 and to coach. Trish stayed there for 3 years before attending Appalachian State where she attained her master’s degree and Education Specialist degree. For the next 6 years, Trish was at Wofford College where she was hired to start the Women’s Athletics teams for volleyball and basketball. Previously, Wofford had been an all-boys school, so there were only 100 women in attendance at the time. Trish is a strong believer in the process of teaching before coaching, education before action.

With her strong work ethic and desire to continue her education, Trish started on her doctorate before beginning work in Health and Fitness, and then became the Curriculum Coordinator at Hanes Middle School. Although that was interrupted, she acquired her license in administration and was the Assistant Principal at Glenn High School for the next 12 years. Trish was recommended for the position of Principal at East Forsyth High School, a position she accepted and held for the next 13 years. After her time at EFHS, Trish served as an Associate Superintendent for the Forsyth County School System. Throughout her career she has received awards, including recognition and an Honorary Doctorate degree in Humanities for starting the Women’s Athletic program at Wofford on the 50th anniversary of Women’s Athletics. Trish also has a place in the Hall of Fame Sportsman Club in Winston-Salem and the East Forsyth High School Hall of Fame.

When asked to share a few lessons formed by experience, Trish emphasized the importance of never giving up on a child. She encourages students (adults as well) to find the people who will support, encourage, and mentor them. Trish spoke of the person who inspired her, Ann, who was her Girl Scout Director and who set her on the path of excellence. Everyone needs to be involved in something, and we all need to talk to people face to face. Phones serve a purpose, but text messages can easily be misinterpreted. Speaking with someone directly clarifies the intent of the message.

Trish no longer works full time but does still work part time with Salem College observing student teachers. In answer to the query of how she stays so fit and healthy, Trish responded that she plays golf (which she learned during 2020), pickleball, surf fishing, works out three times per week, and rides her bicycle. She also enjoys her biological and church families, and volunteering at the Shepherd’s Center. Trish shared the following words of wisdom, “Listen 80% of the time and talk 20% of the time.” When people feel connected and heard, they will talk. She also quoted a phrase that could change the world, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”