Vickey Wright Cooke

After attending UTC, I married Jim Cooke (1968 Red Bank HS) in 1976. We have two sons, Chris and Chad. Chris and Katie have been blessed with two grandchildren, Aiden, 2007 and Hannah, 2008.

I worked as a graphic designer and became the Promotions Manager for the Chattanooga Times Free Press for 14 1/2 years. My biggest and most satisfying accomplishment in my career was developing the Kid's Talent Search & the Childrens' Stage at Riverbend for kids 12 and under. some went on and signed professional contracts.
Held the largest Bass Tournament in the area - Big Buck's Bass Tournament with over 300 boats. Held the only open art show for children k-12 with awards for Best in Show ($500 & tearcher $1,000 for supplies), Awards of Excellence (up to $450) and First Place $100 each.
I now work at Southern Champion Tray and manage the graphics and the process for a particular type of printing, graphic design and mentor interns. I had to adjust to the slower pace of this job, but it gives me the time I wanted to spend with my family.
When our two sons left home we wanted to downsize and make a lifestyle change. We now live in our dream home - a very small log cabin in the woods - just off Hwy 111 above Dunlap. When I'm not working -Jim and I travel and ride our horses when ever possible.
We have been blessed!

I rode the bus to City every morning. I lived in the Ridgedale area so I transferred to a bus downtown which then took us to City. My Dad directed traffic in front of the school. He was Johnny Wright and a motorcycle cop for the city. He was there almost every morning. Most of the students didn't know he was my father -only my close friends.
The funny thing is that the girls on the bus would squeal, call his name, and wave at him as the bus drove by - as his daughter, I sat silently watching and thinking-what's the big deal!