Kenneth R. Chesson

As a young country boy” growing up in a little rural town named Bells Mill, where I walked about a mile to Bells Mill
Elementary School, you can imagine the shock and nervousness I felted when I first stepped foot into Crestwood High School. Everything was so big; the halls seemed so long; the floors were shining; and, there were students everywhere, so it seemed. The year was 1961, and catching the a school bus to go such a “long way” to school was something that I initially did not relish. Luckily, I had two brothers who were already attending Crestwood, and they tried to prepare me for what I was about to experience, as they did not want me to embarrass them.
 

Fortunately for me and all newcomers, the outstanding teachers and staff members knew how to assist us in adjusting to the “new” world. They also knew that we had come from great elementary schools, and were well disciplined, for the most part. After getting adjusted to changing classes, and learning where to go and when, I began to settle in in fine, and couldn’t wait to go school every day.
 

I basically followed my brother Larry’s foot steps athletically, and made the basketball team as a freshman (Junior varsity). He also played baseball and football. I did tryout for the football team, but after getting almost knocked senseless, I felt basketball was where I could keep my body together and my head clear. Like most of the other students, I looked forward to being at Weaver Stadium on Friday nights to cheer on the ‘Mighty Bombers.’
 

My homeroom teacher was Mrs. McDonald, who we affectionately referred to as “Annie Mac.” She was a no nonsense motherly type of teacher who was firm, but knew how to make sure we did our best, as did all of our teachers. They knew what we were going to face after leaving those hollowed halls of Crestwood. Sometimes it was difficult for us to comprehend the lager picture, but they did. I found this our after enrolling into Elizabeth City State. I was so prepared that I actually made the dean’s list my freshman year, and tutored math, one of my difficult courses in high school. As a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and the Viking basketball team, Crestwood High had prepared me well for bigger and better things.
 

I left Elizabeth City State during the second semester of my junior year to join the U.S. Air Force, and was able to excel as a weather forecaster. I was selected Weather Forecaster of the Year for Centralized Facilities in 1972. I went on to complete 21 years before retiring in 1990. Before leaving the military, I was able to complete my under graduate degree, along with a master’s degree, and numerous military awards.

After retiring, I held various positions in training and educating youths; working in the mental health field; and, being a member of various boards. I’ve had the honor of being married to Cynthia for over 50 years; have two wonderful children, Karlton and Kimberly; and, two outstanding, multi-talented grandchildren, Justin and Gabrielle. With two bad knees, golf is my passion now, along with a good quality cigar and red wine.
 

The “country school” helped produced many others who have made tremendous contributions throughout this country, and I along with the Crestwood High School Alumni Association, Inc. will continue to work in enlightening others of our great legacy.