Early on, Lynn Pennington wanted to pursue architecture. A native of Robbins, Lynn attended Sandhills Community College and Montgomery Community College after finishing high school. At a time when working remotely was reserved for very few, becoming an architect would’ve required her to leave the area.
It was a move she was unwilling to make.
“I decided I didn’t want to leave Robbins,” Lynn, who graduated from North Moore High School, said. “I wasn’t willing to leave here.”
In January of 2006, Lynn began working as a teaching assistant at Union Pines. Within a year, she started in the same capacity at North Moore.
“I came here in October (of 2006),” Lynn said. “Almost all of my 21 years have been at North Moore.”
Staying in job for more than two decades suggests a certain level of satisfaction. Lynn seems more than content with her position.
“I love it,” she said. “It’s more fun than teaching because it doesn’t come with the pressures of teaching. You don’t have to do the administrative part.”
With that established, there isn’t a particular activity topping the list as a favorite.
“I love all of it,” Lynn said. “I like every aspect of it.”
Among the things that please her is getting students ready for life beyond graduation.
“I teach all grades,” Lynn said. “We try to prepare them for the outside world. It’s a fun challenge.”
Lynn recognizes that those currently in class represent what happens in the future.
“We want them to be productive citizens,” she said. “They are our community.”
Being able to work with other staff members at North Moore, including a number who went to the school, was cited as a plus.
“We’re one big happy family,” Lynn said. “We just all get along.”
Attitude is key in being successful. Lynn’s outlook shows what’s behind her lengthy run.
“You just keep going,” she said. “The children – they are your drive.”
Away from the classroom, Lynn keeps pushing to help the students. An activity she partakes in to relax – photography – makes that evident.
“I do all of the sports photos for all of the home games here,” she said. “It’s something I’ve always done. I’m glad to provide that service.”
She knows it can be hard for families to get photos of their children on the playing field.
“I want parents to watch a game without worrying about getting pictures,” Lynn said.
With a new school year underway, Lynn discussed what times of the academic calendar she likes best.
“Probably the beginning and the end,” she said. “In the beginning, you get to know new kids. In the end, it’s seeing kids that are prepared.”
If you have a teacher you would like to nominate to be showcased in this series, please email [email protected].
Contributed photo of Lynn Pennington.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Dave Lukow. Dave has been honored as both a lyricist and screenwriter. Among other publications he’s contributed to are the Buffalo News, JD Journal, Beckett Hockey, Seminole Player’s Life, Poker Pro, Walmart World, and All In.
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