Assistant Superintendent Kanya Cornish introduces the Young Georgia Author winners from the middle and high schools at the April Board of Education meeting this year. Cornish is retiring from Oglethorpe County Schools after 25 years of service in teaching and administration. (Jasmine Milbourne/The Oglethorpe Echo)
After 32 years in education, including 25 years with the Oglethorpe County School System, Assistant Superintendent Kanya Cornish is retiring from a career she said was inspired by family, faith and a desire to serve.
“I wanted to make a positive difference in the lives of others,” Cornish said.
Cornish said her grandmother, who taught first and second grades in Greene County for 40 years, was one of the biggest influences on her decision to pursue education.
"Education really does run deep in my family,” Cornish said. “I was born in Rayong, Thailand, and Thai was my first language. My mother is a native of Thailand and her parents were educators in their village. Looking back, I just think education was woven into my story long before I realized it."
Cornish, however, originally pursued a different path. She majored in English at Spelman College in Atlanta with plans to attend law school.
However, that changed when she returned to Greene County to support her family after her grandmother suffered a stroke, during her senior year of college.
Cornish then taught for six years at Greene County Comprehensive High School, and in 2001, she was recruited to teach Coordinated Career Academic Education (CCAE) in Oglethorpe County by Keith Goodwin, who was principal of OCHS at that time.
Cornish said she found a home here.
“What really kept me in Oglethorpe County was the strong sense of community and the commitment to students,” she said.
During her time with the district, she was named OCHS Teacher of the Year in both the 2005-06 and 2010-11 school years. She also received the Outstanding Educator Award from the Georgia Retired Educators Association and the Oglethorpe County Retired Educators Association in 2005.
Cornish also continued her own education, earning a doctorate in educational leadership, administration and policy from the University of Georgia.
These experiences and recognition have shaped her approach to leadership.
Sitting on her desk is a quote she reads every day: “Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence, and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.”
As assistant superintendent, she said she’s worked to support students by overseeing the Multi-Tiered System of Support to ensure each student is successful.
Others have noticed her work.
“She is so meticulous,” Superintendent Beverley Levine said. “She has done an incredible job leading a multi-tiered system of support and has been recognized by the state for the outstanding job she has done.”
Cornish said she hopes her legacy will not just be remembered by her own accomplishments, but by the people she influenced during her career.
“If I have contributed anything meaningful, I really hope it is a stronger foundation of leaders, teachers and systems that will continue serving students long after I’m gone,” she said.
While Cornish is looking forward to spending more time with family during retirement, she said she does not plan to completely step away from serving others.
“While I may not have a formal role here, I will always find ways to support whether it's the students, the educators or this wonderful community, whenever the opportunities arise,” she said.
Cornish said she was incredibly grateful for the staff at Oglethorpe County, the students and families.
“I’m especially grateful for our superintendent, Beverely Levine, for believing in me, supporting me and for providing opportunities for me to grow as a leader,” Cornish said.