Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Kayla Clawson, principal of Hampton High School, and Dr. Jake Jenkins, principal of Hampton Elementary School, were named the 2025 Distinguished Alumni in Education.
Clawson, a Tracy, California native, holds degrees from Milligan College, ETSU and Lincoln Memorial University. She is a licensed Registered Nurse and holds multiple credentials in health science and education leadership. Since becoming principal at Hampton High, Clawson has emphasized student leadership, community involvement and academic growth, developing notable programs such as the CTE Ambassador initiative and leading numerous school and community events.
Jenkins is from Carter County, crediting his parents, both longtime educators, for inspiring his career in education. Jenkins earned his degree in math from ETSU, followed by graduate work at Milligan University and the University of the Cumberlands. He has worked as a teacher and coach at the high school and, more recently, at the elementary level.
Both Clawson and Jenkins demonstrated exceptional leadership in the wake of Hurricane Helene in September 2024 when flooding devastated Hampton and its schools. Together, they organized relief efforts at the Hampton Elementary Resource Center, coordinating community supply distribution, food delivery and outreach for displaced families. Colleagues noted their tireless work and commitment to ensuring every student and family received support.
Both honorees are proud parents and credit the wider community of educators -many ETSU alumni- for their work alongside them during recovery efforts.
Kayla Clawson, principal of Hampton High School, and Dr. Jake Jenkins, principal of Hampton Elementary School, were named the 2025 Distinguished Alumni in Education.
Clawson, a Tracy, California native, holds degrees from Milligan College, ETSU and Lincoln Memorial University. She is a licensed Registered Nurse and holds multiple credentials in health science and education leadership. Since becoming principal at Hampton High, Clawson has emphasized student leadership, community involvement and academic growth, developing notable programs such as the CTE Ambassador initiative and leading numerous school and community events.
Jenkins is from Carter County, crediting his parents, both longtime educators, for inspiring his career in education. Jenkins earned his degree in math from ETSU, followed by graduate work at Milligan University and the University of the Cumberlands. He has worked as a teacher and coach at the high school and, more recently, at the elementary level.
Both Clawson and Jenkins demonstrated exceptional leadership in the wake of Hurricane Helene in September 2024 when flooding devastated Hampton and its schools. Together, they organized relief efforts at the Hampton Elementary Resource Center, coordinating community supply distribution, food delivery and outreach for displaced families. Colleagues noted their tireless work and commitment to ensuring every student and family received support.
Both honorees are proud parents and credit the wider community of educators -many ETSU alumni- for their work alongside them during recovery efforts.
