Carol Oliphant, an English & Literature Teacher at Cherokee County High School has taught generations of students within the Cherokee County community. Through her love of literature, writing, and her students, we have all lived more fulfilled lives because of her.

A sudden and unexpected illness in 2016 now requires her to have at-home care as she heroically fights her way back to health to hopefully rejoin the teaching force and get back to time with her two children and family.

On Wednesday morning we sat down with Carol’s husband Vince and several of her coworkers to talk about her progress and what fellow teachers, administrators and community members are doing to help the family.

Vince said that the next step is to be able to get Carol to an advanced rehab center so that she can get the professional rehab and care she needs.

Brooke Eubanks is a former student of Mrs. Oliphant and is now a coworker as a Teacher and Coach at CCHS, she spoke about the impact Carol has had on students both past and present.

Recently, Mrs. Becky Miller who is the Secretary at CCHS had an idea for a fundraiser to help the family with medical expenses, with the help of Melinda Williamson who is an English Teacher at the school they organized the Cherokee Chop 10K, 5K & 1K Fun-Run which was recently held in downtown Centre.

The Cherokee Chop was able to raise approximately $4,000 for the family. Carol has told her family and friends that is going to be up and walking by April. Her supporters say that they hope she will be able to lead way by walking during the Fall Festival Fun Run in Centre.

Donations are being accepted for the family, Mrs. Miller said that anyone wishing to help in anyway can drop off money at Cherokee County High School at 910 Warrior Drive in Centre, a special account has been established for the Oliphant Family at the  Southern Bank Company and a Go-Fund-Me page has also been setup for those wishing to donate online.