SHARING HER
“It is my belief that we should work to provide positive experiences for others throughout our lives. Don’t ever think you’re too old or have nothing to offer. Everyone has gifts that can be shared with others. Never stop sharing your gift.”
At some point, every talent inside every person is undiscovered. It’s nothing but pure, untapped potential. What primarily separates those who reach the full potential of their talent from those who do not is twofold: their effort and their educator. Debbie Kidd-Trammell, ’75, Rank I ’97, was a teacher and choral/band director in McCreary, Madison, and Fayette Counties for 34 years and taught at Transylvania University before moving her focus to the Richmond Area Arts Council in 2009-2017. Today, Debbie is chair of the McCreary County Museum Advisory Committee and the McCreary County Heritage Foundation, who oversee a local store called The Artisan Shop. She isn’t an artisan herself (though she is a talented vocalist and pianist), but her position is the continuation of a common theme in her 10
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FALL 2021
life: educating and supporting the people around her to help them reach their full artistic potential. Debbie grew up in Pine Knot, Kentucky, graduating from Pine Knot High School before attending Cumberlands. As a music education major, she quickly realized that she didn’t have the knowledge of music theory and history she needed to succeed in that department, so she had to study harder than some of her classmates. With the help of her professors (her favorites were Dr. Harold Wortman, Dr. Jerry Sieg, and Dr. Gayle Breedlove), she made it through. Between classes and her studies, she attended countless choral and band practices, rehearsals, and concerts. In the free time leftover, Debbie could often be found at home teaching piano lessons. After graduation, she served as a choir/ band director and music teacher for the
majority of her life. She worked with faculty and staff who had various levels of expertise and taught students with all levels of talent. Her years as an educator taught her valuable lessons she lives by. “Practice until you are comfortable in any situation, help others, and live an honorable, Godly life. Respect every person you encounter; the custodian and cafeteria staff are as important as the principal,” she said. “Additionally, everyone’s skill level is different, but each person should do their best. Everyone should be treated fairly and be encouraged to hone their craft, regardless of skill level. And, no matter who you are, share your knowledge, talent, and skills with the world.” Just like Debbie doesn’t believe a person’s position or skill should merit them more
