CARROLLTON — Alisa Archie is a busy lady.
Not only does she teach gifted students in the Carroll County School District, but she works part time for the local bank and drives a school bus. As if that weren’t enough, she takes care of her elderly parents, both of whom have cancer and need a good bit of assistance.
Archie also spends time with her two daughters and their families in Oxford, where they live.
“We go to Ole Miss games together,” she said.
Although she likes Ole Miss, her main allegiance goes to Mississippi Valley State University. She’s a true fan and attends the school’s home games. “I don’t care whether we win or not. I just love to go, and I support them.”
Archie, 51, is an MVSU graduate with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in elementary education from Mississippi State University.
Archie said she loves teaching gifted students. “It’s awesome. I love it. It gives kids a chance to think outside the box, to be themselves. It’s the best job since sliced bread.”
She has spent all of her life in Carroll County and has completed her 29 years of teaching there.
Her two daughters have also become teachers. Anteeatta Archie Swims and her husband live in Oxford, and she works as lead teacher for Batesville Intermediate School.
She is currently working on a doctorate from Ole Miss after earning her master’s and specialist degrees from Delta State University.
Shalanda Archie Cook and her husband also live in Oxford with their two children. She is working on a master’s degree from Ole Miss.
When her daughters were in school, Archie tried never to miss a game or track meet, and she served as cheerleading coach. “I was at everything,” she said.
Now she loves spending time with her two small grandchildren.
Archie is active in Pleasant Green Baptist Church, where she sings in the choir and usually serves on the finance committee.
Archie said she loves to read, and she keeps a copy of “God Has A Place In My Heart” on her nightstand. Her all-time favorite movies are “The Color Purple” and “The Blind Side.”
Wherever she is, Archie is known for her friendly demeanor and big smile. It comes in handy whether she is dealing with students or customers at People’s Bank, where she works some on weekends.
“I love to talk,” she said.
All of the many students Archie has taught in 29 years are special to her. “I wish I kept a photo of all of them, but I didn’t,” she said. “Now I’m keeping pictures of the gifted students I teach.”
In 2011, when Archie was teaching middle school, she promised her class of 15 that if they would stay in school and graduate, she would give them each $50.
In May of this year she gave $100 to nine students. A business joined in adding $50 to her gifts for each student.
“Three dropped out, two moved, and one student didn’t make it,” she said. “All are doing something productive.”
Archie remains energetic and enthusiastic about all she does. “I know my source of strength. It comes from God.”
