Written by: JR Robinson

Sable Otey, a native of Memphis, Tennessee, has an impressive background that spans both education and athletics. She attended East High School in Memphis and went on to compete in the Olympics as a member of the U.S. bobsledding team. Otey's journey to the Olympics was not an easy one, as she grew up in impoverished circumstances similar to many of her students. Her track and field coach at East High School, Danny Young, and her high school Spanish teacher, Malika Collins, played significant roles in her life, providing her with the support and guidance she needed to succeed.

After graduating from East High School in 2005, Otey went on to become a track and field star at George Mason University in Virginia. She was on track to compete in the 2012 Olympics when she became pregnant with her son. However, her Olympic dreams were rekindled in 2015 when a friend encouraged her to try out for the U.S. Olympic bobsledding team. Despite not making the Olympic team, Otey traveled to South Korea to support her teammates.

Otey's experiences as a teacher and an athlete have shaped her into the person she is today. She believes that perseverance, discipline, and hard work are essential qualities for success in both fields. As a teacher, she has learned to be a better athlete by pressing through adversities and sharing her experiences with her students. In turn, her athletic pursuits have made her a better teacher by teaching her the importance of being coachable and humble.

Now, Otey is running for the Memphis-Shelby County School Board District 5, where she aims to make investments and improvements needed to provide students with the education they deserve. Her vision for the school board revolves around equipping students with more than just academic knowledge by prioritizing general and financial literacy education. She is also an advocate for sufficient funding for a diverse range of extracurricular activities and robust support systems for educators.

As a candidate for the Memphis-Shelby County School Board District 5, Otey's background in education, financial literacy, and community advocacy positions her as a strong candidate. Her experiences as a teacher, athlete, and businesswoman have given her a unique perspective on the importance of education and the skills needed for success in various fields. If elected, Otey will bring her dedication, passion, and commitment to ensuring that every student in Memphis-Shelby County has access to a high-quality education that prepares them for their future.