By Carol Wurschmidt
For Brekyn Cseay and Rick Taylor the first day of school is one of both nerves and excitement. 
Brekyn is a new kindergarten student at Seymour Primary School and Mr. Taylor, a new kindergarten teacher.
Brekyn, a typical five year old, is ready to meet new and old friends, practice his ABC’s, and learn all the new things that wait for him.  His eyes sparkle as he shyly shows off his new backpack filled with crayons, glue, and watercolors. 
“He’s so excited about going to school,” said his mother, Shauhn Caughron.  “All the shopping is done and Brekyn’s ready to start.” 
Like most boys, Brekyn loves to play sports but his favorites are T-Ball and swimming.  He also enjoys playing Wii or Xbox, using a sand hourglass to mark the amount of time he can play. 
Along with getting himself ready for school, Brekyn’s room was updated to mark this rite of passage.  Brekyn gave a tour displaying the new bed, his favorite pictures hung on the wall, and a place to hang the clothes he will wear the next day. 
Greeting him at the kindergarten open house Monday night was Mr. Taylor, Brekyn’s teacher. 
While serving five years as a Gatlinburg police officer, Taylor participated in the annual Kid’s Police Camp where he realized that he really enjoyed working with children. 
Deciding he wanted to be a teacher, Taylor returned to school attaining a Bachelor of Science, a Masters Degree with a specialization in Administration, and an EDS, education specialist.
Following graduation, he taught fourth grade until the last school year when he taught second grade.  His experience at the camp steered him toward elementary education. 
“As a police officer, I realized that working with a teen isn’t always positive.  I wanted an opportunity to set an example and be a role model for young kids,” he said. 
Taylor admitted to having some nerves, but his room exhibited his passion for teaching and his kids.  The early learning books, stickers, desks and chairs are all ready for the influx of children this week.
 Like most teachers, he purchased additional materials for his classroom to ensure that his students have everything needed for a successful year. 
The nervous energy Brekyn and Mr. Taylor feel this week will merge into memories of their first year in kindergarten.

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