This feature originally ran in the November 2025-January 2026 issue of Community Matters, the quarterly magazine produced by The Cullman Tribune.
If someone asked, “Who is Keenan Hollingsworth?” I’m not sure there would be enough time to explain all her hats and descriptions.
Hollingsworth, M.Ed., is a fifth-grade math teacher and Veterans Day Program director at West Elementary School. She’s also Sgt. Hollingsworth with the 1/117th Field Artillery Regiment, Bravo Battery, Alabama Army National Guard.
She’s been teaching for over 21 years, with 18 years at West Elementary in Cullman, and three and a half years in Savannah, Tennessee.
“In the Army National Guard, I completed Basic Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma in 2021,” Hollingsworth said. “I’ve served at several duty stations across the country, including a JRTC rotation at Fort Polk, Louisiana. Each experience has strengthened my commitment to service and leadership. Nov. 16, 2025, will mark my fifth year in the Alabama Army National Guard.”
Hollingsworth shared that she was fortunate to assist Jane Neal Humiston for three years before her retirement.
“In 2012, I stepped into the role of directing West Elementary’s Veterans Day Program, and I’ve been writing and leading it ever since,” Hollingsworth said. “It is a tremendous undertaking to coordinate so many children, but every year it comes together beautifully. The vision has always been to instill pride, respect and gratitude in our students and to remind them that freedom isn’t free; a veteran paid the price. Over time, the program has grown into not only honoring veterans, but also celebrating our great country. It’s children lifting their voices in song, bringing our community together and expressing gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy because of those who served.”
This year’s programs took place Nov. 5, at the OmniPlex and Nov. 7, in the West Elementary gym.
“There will be a reception for veterans at noon in the gym,” Hollingsworth said. “This year, we are adding a special element, a song that will teach the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day. Many veterans have expressed how much they appreciate West teaching this distinction, so I wanted to make sure all of our students understand it.
“We will also welcome the fire department honor guard to post the colors. My dear friend, Mrs. Katie McGee, will sing the national anthem again. Our students will honor each branch of service by learning and performing their official songs, and we will include a flag-folding ceremony in honor of a Gold Star mother and the families of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”
As a little girl, Hollingsworth said, she loved playing “school” and had her own little classroom set up, complete with neatly organized supplies.
“School was always a joy for me, and I adored my teachers and the process of learning,” she said. “I believe teaching is one of the most honorable professions. It demands patience, dedication and love. Every child who walks into my classroom holds the potential to do something unique and extraordinary in this world. Teaching allows me to nurture that potential and make a positive impact. All students can and want to learn, and it is my responsibility to challenge, encourage and support them as they grow both academically and personally.”
For nearly 20 years, Hollingsworth has devoted herself to teaching children freedom isn’t free through West’s Veterans Day Program.
“But deep down, I have always had a desire to serve my country,” she said. “I went straight to UNA on a scholarship after high school, and for a long time thought my opportunity had passed. At age 37, I asked a recruiter if it was still possible to join, even though I was over the age cutoff. Thanks to SFC Preston Griffin in Cullman and the Jasper RSP Unit, I was able to enlist within four months. At 38, I raised my right hand in Montgomery, and my life changed forever. Serving in the Alabama Army National Guard, Bravo 1/117th Field Artillery, is not just another job; it is truly a calling. I became the first female in the Fire Direction Center, and along the way, I gained an entire new family of brothers I never knew I needed. It has been one of the best decisions of my life, and I am proud to serve.”
For Hollingsworth, family and faith are at the center of her life.
“I love spending time with my husband, children and friends, and we enjoy traveling together,”’ she said. “Recently, my husband and I purchased land where we plan to hunt and build our forever home. Staying active is also important to me. I enjoy CrossFit, rucking and target shooting with my AR. In the community, I am deeply invested in keeping the spirit of service alive. Each year, I take West Elementary students to perform the Veterans Program for our local veterans, previously at the Donald Green Center, and this year at the OmniPlex. My husband is active duty in the U.S. Air Force, and together you may see us at community events proudly carrying the Army and Air Force flags. I am also a member of the VFW Post 2214 Auxiliary here in Cullman, whose encouragement and support have meant so much to me over the years.”
