JCPS Teacher Leaves; Pursues Different Passion
When Alicia Lindsey leaves Jasper County Primary School for her last day as a teacher this week as she is retiring, she will leave behind a gift that will be appreciated for years to come.
Mrs. Lindsey has purchased playground equipment, including special mulch, for the special needs children at the school.
During her teaching journey, Mrs. Lindsey has received recognition from peers and administrators.
“I have been selected as the Teacher of the Year at three different schools. I have been awarded numerous grants to fund innovative projects at these schools. The highlight of my professional career was being selected as the 2003 Atlanta Journal and Constitution Elementary Honor Teacher of the Year for the State of Georgia.” At this time, Mrs. Lindsey was teaching in Newton County.
“This honor came with a $10,000 award, to be spent on ways to enhance the lives of students. Since receiving this award, I have invested in many small projects. However, I have held on to the majority of the funds for one very special project.
“For my special project, I have chosen to fund playground equipment for children with handicaps. The special needs children at Jasper County Primary School are often not able to use standard playground equipment. Imagine being a child, who is not able to have fun swinging or sliding at recess? These children work so hard to overcome many odds, playtime shouldn’t be one of them! When complete, the area will be a safe and fun haven for children with special needs. They will finally have a place to develop their physical fitness through play.”
Mrs. Lindsey, who earned her bachelors and masters’ degrees at the University of Georgia, has taught kindergarten through third grade in her 31-year career, with the bulk being in first grade. She said she loves the curriculum, and loves that age of a child. They’re her niche.
“In reflecting over my teaching career, I am reminded of the many blessings that have come my way. Whether it was wonderful students, supportive parents and administrators, or outstanding peers, wonderful people have surrounded me!”
Mrs. Lindsey took her class to the playground when I was there and invited the special needs class to join them. Then she told them what they are getting for next year. The playground equipment has been ordered, and will be installed sometime this summer ready for the children to use when school resumes in August. With what little bit of money was left after the purchase, Mrs. Lindsey ordered corn hole sets for each first grade class.
Mrs. Lindsey is also a Certified Personal Fitness Trainer and Nutrition Coach at Bulldog Gym in Monticello. Additionally, she is a competitive bodybuilder in the bikini division.
“My next journey in life leads to my passion after teaching, Personal Training, Nutritional Coaching, and Bodybuilding Competitions. In my early 50’s, I earned the coveted Pro Card, which is the pinnacle of bodybuilding competition. This accomplishment proves that fitness and good nutrition are ageless!”
Mrs. Lindsey tells how fitness has no limits. Her inspiration came from her grandmother who lost 100 pounds at 65 years of age. And, recently, she’s had an 89-year-old client, which shows there is no age limit on being physically fit.
Mrs. Lindsey said she has always stayed fit, but the bodybuilding is fairly new, and it really builds confidence, she said. She works out every day, doing 30 minutes of cardio before school each morning and then two hours of exercise after school. She said she eats a lot, and she keeps a log of all that she eats and how she feels.
She said there are so many ways you can take charge of yourself. You don’t have to be a victim of many health conditions, because physical fitness—exercise and diet—can keep health conditions at bay. She said the gym is her second home, and here in Monticello she trains, and teaches, at Bulldog Gym which his owned by Russ Watts. Mrs. Lindsey and Mr. Watts started first grade together, she said. She said her passion is helping people to become their best self.
Mrs. Lindsey has won several bodybuilding competitions, and is a pro in the Southern Muscle Association master’s division. She has met many wonderful people and thoroughly enjoys this. She glows when she talks about how she feels on stage, and how wonderful it has been to meet so many people interested in fitness like she is.
Mrs. Lindsey and her husband, Greg, have been married 32 years, and they have three dogs. They were high school sweethearts and are still happy today. She said he serves as her manager when it comes to bodybuilding competitions. He books the rooms, the spray tans, helps pick out bikinis which she competes in, and coordinates the competition travel. She said she mostly competes in Georgia, but has ventured out.
Mrs. Lindsey can’t wait to get started on the next stage in life.
“I look forward to working with clients on reaching their fitness and nutritional goals.
