Sarah Moss, a 3rd-grade teacher at Edna L. Toliver Intermediate School, graduated from Danville High School in 2002. She and her husband, Lee, have two daughters. Alexa is a sophomore at Danville Christian Academy, and Olivia is a 6th grader at Bate. In the community, Moss volunteers with the children's program at Southland Christian Church, and in the past, she helped with the John W. Bate Middle School cheerleaders as assistant coach.

"I cheered throughout high school, so it was a lot of fun to be able to be a part of the program," she said.

Moss shared her journey as a student and how she was inspired to teach in the Danville Independent School District.

Tell us about your Danville Schools journey. What school(s) did you attend, and what’s a highlight that stands out?

I attended Hogsett Elementary, Bate Middle and Danville High School. A highlight for me was cheering at the games throughout the week! I cheered football, basketball and even soccer back then! My class earned three state football titles during my time at DHS. Getting to cheer at Cardinal Stadium for the championship is something I'll never forget. 

What aspects of your Danville Schools education helped mold you into the person you are today?

I was blessed to have several amazing teachers throughout my time at Danville that really encouraged me to want to become a teacher. I remember their classes being fun and feeling really cared about.

Are there specific instances/relationships that stand out to you as having an impact on your success since graduating?

I had so many amazing teachers throughout school that exemplified what qualities a teacher should have. Bobby Trumbo was my U.S. History teacher at DHS. He was extremely knowledgeable and firm with students but was well-respected by everyone. I vividly remember my third grade teacher, Jomin Davis. She was fun and nurturing. She made sure her lessons had a real-world connection so her students understood why it was important for them to learn. My high school cheerleading coach, Christel Belcher, also stands out as an important influence on my life. Not only was she a teacher at DHS, but she was very involved in all activities at the high school. She showed me what being a part of a team was all about. I learned how to work hard but have fun at the same time. 

What advice would you give to a parent who was choosing an education path for their child?

Don't overlook Danville Schools! We have so much to offer here. Amazing teachers who genuinely care about their students and want nothing but the best for them. Engaging educational opportunites to offer and an experience they will never forget. The pride that comes along with being a Danville Admiral is second to none! 

As a product of Danville Schools, what drives you to give back to your local school and/or district?

The immense amount of pride I have as being a Danville alum is what drove me back to teaching here. It's a hard thing to explain, but I am very proud of where I come from. Danville is a special place with a family-like feel to it. You aren't just a number here. Everyone matters and belongs. I wanted to be part of that experience for kids in my community.

---

This piece is part of an ongoing series telling the stories of our Danville Alumni! We share a new alumni story once a month, and we want YOUR story. If you or someone you know is a Danville graduate and an excellent representative of the Danville community and the idea of #SuccessForALL, whether they live in Danville or not, please fill out the form linked below. You can also show your Danville Alumni pride on social media with the hashtag #DanvilleAlumniStories

Alumni Stories Suggestion Form