Clay County’s own Hannah Miller has been named as Executive Director for Clay County Community for Students, Inc.
By Lorrie Ross
Staff Writer
A new face is at the helm of Clay County Community for Students, Inc. Clay County’s own Hannah Miller has been named as executive director for Clay County Community for Students, Inc. Miller started her new role in June 2024, just as former executive director, Theresa Waldroup, was retiring.
Waldroup had led the organization for more than two decades, including through a name change from Clay County Communities In Schools to Clay County Community for Students, Inc. The new executive director and departing executive director were able to work together for two weeks prior to Waldroup’s official retirement date. “Theresa Waldroup instructed me on the job's roles and responsibilities,” Miller explained, sharing information about the programs. “Clay County Community for Students, Inc. is an organization focused on connecting the community to help meet students' basic needs and helping students succeed. We assist in providing basic needs for students such as clothes, shoes and school supplies. Karen Dudley, our wonderful site coordinator, collaborates with generous volunteers who tutor, mentor and help at events with Clay Schools' students. We are fortunate to offer Clay County residents of all ages assistance in crisis situations through our Hands of Hope committee. Our partnerships with churches, DSS, the Clay County Health Department, generous private donors and other organizations allow us to provide resources and services to students and families of Clay County.”
Despite having more to learn, Miller is bringing her own experiences to the job and is taking on the role enthusiastically. A 2018 North Greenville University graduate, she has five years of teaching experience, including three years as a second grade teacher for Carolina Christian Academy. “Teaching has prepared me with organization and collaboration skills that I hope will facilitate cooperation among the people and agencies of Clay County to help meet the needs of students and families in our county,” she continued. “I have a love for the people of Clay County and am eager to develop more ways we can work together toward student success.”
The daughter of Kevin and Becky Miller, Hannah has lived in Clay County for most of her life. Kevin is pastor at Pine Log Baptist Church, as well as a Director of Hearts For Heaven, Inc., and a local volunteer fire fighter. Becky works at Peachtree Elementary as a librarian, media coordinator and STEM teacher. Miller’s brother, Joseph, lives and works near Chattanooga where he and his wife, Joelee, are both engineers. Miller’s younger sister, Moriah, attends UNG where she is studying kinesiology and music.
Hannah’s Clay County family ties go even deeper. “My paternal grandparents, Patt and Austella Miller, were life-long residents of Clay County. Patt was a patrolman and farmer here and Austella retired from teaching in Clay County,” she said, adding, “Clay County has been my home for most of my childhood, except the three years my family spent as missionaries in Guatemala. I am happy that I moved back shortly after college and can once again call Hayesville home."
She wanted to work in education from a pretty young age. “Growing up, I would enjoy helping my mom with Vacation Bible School at various locations,” she said. “Seeing how important it is to be well educated increased my desire to help students be successful. I'm so glad I get to continue that in this new job even though it looks different than teaching in a classroom.
Miller shared ways the community may help. “Currently, we are gathering school supplies for student backpacks. If you know anyone who needs assistance with school supplies, assistance with a non-emergent crisis situation or would like to donate or volunteer, call me at: (828) 389-1625; email: hannah.miller@clayschools.org or visit our website for details: www.claycountycfs.com.”
She ended, “I am very excited about being able to serve the county in this new role.”