Kim Riddle’s dream was to work with Knox County children in Knoxville, Tennessee and that dream became a reality in the Fall of 2014. Riddle was a kind, loving and godly woman who supported her church’s youth ministries and uplifted anyone she came across. Her co-workers said “You could see the teacher in her.” Her youth ministries classroom at Mount Calvary Baptist showed her love of teaching with bible images, and traditional classroom decorations to help her “children” learn. Riddle’s passion for children was evident in her church office. Her desk was covered with papers dealing with children’s ministry along with other memories of a youth minister and an educator who leaves behind a family, a church, and a school system. She dreamed larger than her teacher’s aide position and her ultimate goal to was to be in charge of her own classroom in Knox County. However, never turning down a teaching opportunity she completely through herself into the role she said was a dream position.

Riddle was riding on the school bus on December 2, 2014 when a terrible tragedy took her life. Police said a Knox County School bus from Chilhowee Elementary School was traveling east on Asheville Highway when the bus made a sharp left-hand turn and crossed over a concrete median.

USA TODAY

The bus hit the side of another bus traveling west on Asheville Highway carrying students from Sunnyview Elementary School. The second bus flipped onto its side and continued sliding until it came to a stop across both west bound lanes. It was reported that when Riddle realized what was happening she threw herself over one of her students saving his life. Riddle was 46 when her life ended, but the sacrifice she made will never be forgotten by her students and loved ones.