Carlisle history runs deep in my family. My mom is a Carlisle Native, but my father was born and raised in Jamaica. On my mom’s side of the family, I believe there are at least 4 generations of Carlisle natives. I was born and raised here. Growing up, I lived in the same house on Factory Street until I graduated college. After graduating, I decided to stay in Carlisle after receiving a teaching position with the Carlisle Area School District.

I am currently a 6th grade Science Teacher at Lamberton and have taught at Lamberton since 2012. I also co-chair the United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County Campaign for our district and coach Junior Varsity Girls Basketball at the High School. Prior to moving to the middle school, I worked at Mooreland Elementary teaching 3rd grade for 2 years. I was on the board of directors for the Carlisle Victory-Circle club for 3 years, a club that I belonged to when I was in middle and high school. Outside of being at school and participating in these many community organizations, I attend West Street AME Zion Church and have since I was a baby. At the church, I work with the Youth Ministries and the Dance Ministry.

There is so much that I love about Carlisle: that it is a diverse area and we are so welcoming to all people, how supportive the local businesses are to the different school and sports clubs, the variety of restaurants that offer different cuisines, and most importantly, the countless resources available to help families in need.

But obviously, just like any other “small” town, there are some challenges. Recently, we’ve experienced shootings in the area. But through these tragedies, a local preacher called together a prayer meeting at Memorial Park. The point of the meeting was to pray for and come together as a community, showing that we are stronger than the violence. Also, our community recently held a Unity Rally in light of many of the divisive actions occurring throughout our country, and in direct response to the riots in Charlottesville. It was such a positive experience to see so many people from Carlisle present in the square, standing strong for unity.

Additionally, the YWCA Carlisle has done, and is continuing to do, an excellent job with holding public forums and programs to educate and allow citizens to voice their concerns/fears with regarding race and gender specific issues in our community and our country as a whole.

Throughout all of this, my hope for Carlisle is that we will continue to have resources for our children, so that they can be a positive influence in the world. Additionally, I hope that we will be able to continue to serve the homeless through the many different organizations, especially Carlisle C.A.R.E.S.. And lastly, that my children, and the future of our community, grow up to love Carlisle as much as I do!” – Ashley Knight, Middle School Teacher and Carlisle Native