Kim Atchison’s Journey from Benton Student to Grades 5-8 Head Cook.

Kim Atchison’s journey from being a BCHS graduate in 2002 to the head cook for grades five through eight at Benton Grade School is a tale of dedication, family, and community spirit. Now, in her role at the school, she prepares around 600 meals daily, including one for her youngest son, Thomas, a sixth-grader.

Kim and her husband, Andrew, high school sweethearts who met while working at Taco John’s in West City, returned to Benton after several deployments, including a formative four-year stint in El Paso, Texas. It was there, at Fort Bliss, where Kim had her first eye-opening experience with abject poverty. “Seeing Mexico from our backyard and the struggles people faced there humbled me. It made me appreciate the strong, supportive community back home in Benton,” she reflects.

Kim’s return to Benton wasn’t just a geographical move but a deliberate choice to raise her children—Logan, Carly, and Thomas—in the same nurturing environment in which she grew up. “My father was sick, and Andrew’s parents were getting older. We wanted our kids to grow up with their grandparents, in a safe and loving community,” she says.

Her eldest, Logan, exemplifies resilience. Now a third-year communications major at Saint Louis University, Logan has overcome significant health challenges, including three hip surgeries and a severe battle with COVID-19 that saw him airlifted to an ICU. “The doctors told us he wouldn’t make it,” Kim recalls, her voice tinged with the memory of fear and faith. “But the whole community prayed for him, and within five days, he walked out of the ICU.” Logan’s tenacity and success are a source of immense pride for Kim.

Kim’s middle child, Carly, is a compassionate and driven high school sophomore who balances her studies with competitive dance. Carly’s empathy shines through in moments like the time she spent an entire parade day with a special needs dancer, ensuring she felt included and supported. “Carly has a heart of gold,” Kim says, beaming with maternal pride.

Thomas, the youngest, brings humor and a sense of duty to their family. Known for staying after lunch to help clean up, Thomas embodies the values of kindness and responsibility that Kim and Andrew have worked hard to instill in their children.

Kim’s role at Benton Grade School allows her to be close to her children while contributing to the well-being of hundreds of other students. “If I can make one child smile, then my job is done,” she states. Her dedication is mirrored by her team, whom she credits for their support and camaraderie.

Reflecting on her own school days, Kim realizes the profound impact Benton’s community had on her. “In Benton, everyone is your friend. You grow up with people who genuinely care about you,” she says. This sense of belonging and support is something she cherishes deeply and strives to pass on to her children and the students she serves.

When asked what advice she would give to students moving on to high school, Kim’s wisdom is clear: “Don’t take this moment for granted. Appreciate your school, your teachers, even the little things like your lunches. One day, you’ll look back and realize how special these moments are.”

Kim Atchison’s story is not just one of personal success but of a community that nurtures and supports its own. Her journey from a Benton student to a key member of the school staff is a testament to the enduring power of family, faith, and the close-knit community that Benton represents.