Education:

Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education, Belhaven College, graduated magna cum laude, 1974

Certification for Early Childhood Education, University of South Alabama, 1992

Certification for Elementary Education, University of South Alabama, 1991

Employment:

Rockwell  Elementary School            1997-present

Spanish Fort Elementary School        1992-1997

Baldwin County Interim and Substitute 1990-1991

Office Manager, Family Practice Clinic, McComb, MS      1983-1989  

Council Manhattan Elementary School, Jackson, MS         1974-1975

My name is Karen Applewhite. I was born in Jackson, Mississippi and raised near New Orleans, Louisiana.  My family and I moved to the Eastern Shore in 1990 from McComb, MS.  My children entered the Baldwin County Schools and I fell in love with the schools. I started substituting so I could be closely involved with my children.  After substituting at Spanish Fort Elementary in the kindergarten classrooms, I knew this was “the place for me”.  I was hired the next year to take a kindergarten position and I have not looked back.  Rockwell opened in 1997 and I was given the privilege of moving into a new kindergarten position. It has been a blessing being here under the awesome leadership of Mr. Owen and Mrs. Piontkowski. This is the beginning of my 17^th year of teaching.  I can not think of anywhere else I would rather be!

I was selected Wal-Mart’s 2007 Teacher of the Year, Daphne, AL. and Rockwell’s Fall Festival Queen during the 2003-2004 school year. I have had the privilege of serving on many committees.  Some of these are:  Rockwell’s School Improvement team; SACS School Improvement Process; DIBELS administer; Presenter at State and County conferences; member of Disciplined Based Arts Education Team; Grade level Chair for Kindergarten; and member of Christian Educator’s Association.

I have 2 children who I am extremely proud of!  Summer Bondurant is the director for a Compensation Consulting Company in Roswell, Georgia where she lives with her husband, Justin, and my 2 handsome grandsons; Caden (5) and Evan John (2).   My son, Alex and his new bride, Amanda, live in Daphne.

Alex landscapes yards and installs irrigation systems. They were married in August.

I am an energetic and enthusiastic teacher committed to bringing passion and dedication into the classroom to make a difference in the lives of my students, their parents, and ultimately, my community.