Unaka High gives McKinney send-off
Published 8:37 am Tuesday, January 22, 2019
Star Photo/Bryce Phillips Unaka's Steve "Pink" McKinney gives the U-time symbol after being recognized for his many years as a teacher and coach at Unaka High School. Friday, after decades as an educator, was McKinney's final day as a teacher at Unaka.
Star Photo/Bryce Phillips Unaka's Steve "Pink" McKinney looks at a plack that presented to him Friday night at the Unaka basketball games.
It was an emotional evening for Unaka’s Steve “Pink” McKinney.
After decades as a teacher, Friday marked McKinney’s last day as an educator at Unaka High School.
In-between Friday’s boys and girls basketball games in Stoney Creek, Unaka High recognized McKinney as they presented him with a plaque.
It was clear in McKinney’s face that the ceremony meant a lot to him as his eyes watered up. As he left the gym floor, McKinney gave the U-time symbol to the Stoney Creek crowd as they cheered him on.
“The Unaka family has always been good to me,” said McKinney. “You couldn’t ask for better support from the students and teachers. Mrs. Oliver and all of the principals that I have worked for have given me plenty of support also. It is a super area to coach in.”
Even though he will no longer be teaching, McKinney said he plans to continue helping as an assistant coach for the Unaka boys’ basketball team.
“Coach Dugger is going to keep me on his staff just to keep me around,” said McKinney.
