Home Town Heroes Johnson and Kessler Recognized at BBQ Blowout

The City of Bolivar’s annual BBQ Blowout was not only a barbecue contest, but also an opportunity to recognize its local people with Hometown Hero recognition. On Friday, October 25, 2024, former Hardeman County academicians Helen L. Johnson and Fred F. Kessler, II were the recipients of the award that is given each year.

The City of Bolivar shared more information about both recipients, which only exemplifies their worthiness for the recognition.

HELEN L. JOHNSON

Helen L. Johnson is a former educator in the Hardeman County Schools. She served as an assistant principal at Central High School in Bolivar, Tennessee. Additionally, she served as an English teacher and cheerleader sponsor. Prior to relocating to Hardeman County, Helen was employed by the Lefore School System in Greenwood, Mississippi. She taught middle school English.

Helen’s professional involvement included serving as president of the Hardeman County Education Association and vice president of the West Tennessee Education Association. During her tenure as an educator in the Hardeman County Schools, Helen served as chairperson and committee member on several committees. For example, the school system’s English Committee and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Also, as an English teacher, Helen sponsored several trips to Europe for high school students.

Helen is highly active in the community. She is a former member of the Bolivar Energy Authority Electric board. Further, she serves on the Bolivar Community Hospital board. Also, Helen serves as a member on the Hardeman County Drug Recovery Court and the Foster Review Board.

Helen has received numerous accolades for her service in education and the community. For example, she has received the Hardeman County Education Association Award and Service Award from the Bolivar Energy Authority. Further, she was cited as the “Zeta of the Year” from Mu Zeta Zeta Chapter and Women’s Service Award from God’s House of Promise Church in Bolivar, Tennessee. Additionally, Helen has received an award from the Hardeman County Black History Commission for untiring support.

Helen received her Education Specialist and Master’s in English from Jackson State University, in Jackson, Mississippi. Additionally, she received a Bachelor of Science in English from Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, Mississippi. Helen has taken courses and attended numerous workshops in education administration and supervision.

Helen is involved in community activities. She is a member and past president of Mu Zeta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. in Bolivar, Tennessee. As a member of the sorority, she participates in community service projects and activities. Currently, she assists in dispensing food to needy families in the Bolivar Community.

Helen is as member of St. Paul C.M.E. Church in Bolivar, Tennessee. She has served in numerous leadership positions in the church.

Fred F. Kessler, II

Born on February 14, 1958, to Barbara and Fred Kessler, Sr., Fred F. Kessler, II, has lived a life deeply rooted in education, athletics, and community service. Raised in Bolivar, Tennessee, Fred pursued his education at Bolivar Central High School (BCHS), before obtaining a Bachelor of Science from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) and later a master’s degree from the University of Memphis.

In 1983, Fred married Gail Heinzen, with whom he built a family. Together, they raised two sons, Nick and Braden Kessler, and today Fred enjoys the company of six grandchildren who continue to carry forward the Kessler name.

Fred’s career in education began with a semester at Middleton Elementary School, before he transitioned to BCHS in the fall of 1982. Over the years, Fred took on various roles within the school system, working as a teacher, coach, and eventually rising through the ranks to hold pivotal administrative positions. Fred’s coaching resume includes leading teams in golf, football, softball, and baseball, and his influence in sports remained a constant thread throughout his career.

His natural leadership and passion for education eventually led him to serve as the athletic director, assistant principal, and principal of BCHS, a position he held with distinction for 17 years. Fred’s commitment to sports and student-athletes extended to the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA), where he served on the Board of Control for the 7th Athletic District for 17 years, including a decade as vice-president. In his 23 years as athletic director at BCHS, Fred became a driving force behind numerous district and regional athletic events, particularly basketball tournaments. Under his leadership, BCHS became the top contributor to the TSSAA Hall of Champions fund through its highly successful benefit basketball games.

Fred’s legacy within the TSSAA includes a long tenure as a basketball official and supervisor of officials. This role continues the Kessler family’s proud tradition of officiating, a path previously paved by his father, Fred F. Kessler, Sr., who was inducted into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 2001. Fred followed in his father’s footsteps, receiving his own induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 2013—a recognition of his extraordinary contributions to secondary education and high school athletics in Tennessee.

Fred Kessler, II’s life and career have been marked by service, leadership, and a deep commitment to the development of young people through both academics and athletics. His dedication to fostering sportsmanship, education, and community engagement has left an indelible mark on the state of Tennessee, cementing his place as a respected leader in the world of high school sports and education.

Photographs courtesy of Sarah Rice.

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