By Emma Godwin, External Affairs Intern
Golden LEAF Scholar Alumna Sydney Coe grew up in Siloam, North Carolina, a small community in Surry County where she now teaches third grade at Dobson Elementary School. A proud product of rural North Carolina, Coe says coming back home after college was always part of her plan.
“I grew up in Siloam,” said Coe. “I have a lot of roots there and I wanted to give back to the community that gave so much to me and made me who I am today.”
Coe began her higher education journey at Surry Community College, earning her associate degree before transferring to Appalachian State University, where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. She says she always knew she wanted to attend Appalachian, following in the footsteps of her mother, a retired teacher and fellow App State graduate.
“It was kind of a full-circle moment,” said Coe. “I went to the same college where my mom became a teacher, and later we even taught at the same school for a few years.”
During college, Coe became deeply involved in programs supporting students with disabilities, including the Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program and Best Buddies, which promotes inclusion and friendship for people with disabilities. Those experiences shaped her teaching philosophy and passion for creating inclusive learning environments.
“It really helped me relate to my career because I teach students who are neurodiverse every day,” said Coe. “That hands-on experience before entering the classroom made all the difference.”
Coe learned about the Golden LEAF Scholarship from her aunt, who read about it in the newspaper. She applied and received support as a transfer student moving from community college to a four-year university. The scholarship helped with tuition and also opened the door to an internship with Surry County Schools, which led directly to her full-time teaching position.
“Golden LEAF encouraged me to get my foot in the door at Surry County Schools through the Golden LEAF Rural Internship opportunity, and I’m so glad they did,” said Coe. “I’m still so thankful for Golden LEAF and their support. It made a difference financially for me as I pursued my degree, and it helped me find my path back home.”
Now in her fourth year of teaching third grade, Coe says her students are what motivate her most.
“My students absolutely are the reason I come to work every morning,” said Coe. “We spend so much time together that we build a little family every year. I make sure my classroom is a safe, happy place where every child feels seen and valued, not just academically, but emotionally too.”
For Coe, teaching in a rural community is more than a job, it’s a calling.
“I think sometimes people see rural communities as small or less important, but they’re full of potential,” she said. “I’m blessed to be part of rural North Carolina, and I hope I can continue to give back to the place that shaped me.”
She sees hope for the region’s future in her students every day.
“They definitely give me hope,” said Coe. “I tell them they can be difference makers right now. I’m teaching the future leaders of our communities, and that’s what makes this work so meaningful.”