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Alumni Achievers – Charlie Neese, Fairview High Class of 1988

Published January 23, 2015

You’ve seen him on TV as a meteorologist for NewsChannel5, but did you know that Charlie Neese grew up right here in Williamson County?

Neese attended Pinewood Elementary, Fairview Middle and Fairview High before going on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in Broadcast Communications at University of Tennessee at Martin. Neese then earned his certification in Broadcast Meteorology from Mississippi State University and his certification in Broadcast Meteorology from Mississippi State University.

How long have you been working as a meteorologist? How long at NewsChannel5?

This will be my 24th year working as a meteorologist and my 16th year at NewsChannel5.

What led you to want to be a meteorologist?

In September of 1979, after an all-day rain, my dad got me up in the middle of the night to go see the creek at the end of Shoals Branch Rd. I didn’t know why he wanted to go see the creek, but I thought it was very cool I was going anywhere in the middle of the night! When we got to the end of the road, I couldn’t believe what I saw. The normally tranquil creek was transformed into a raging river with 20-30 feet of water covering everything ahead of me. As I stood there in the pouring rain, listening to the roaring water and watching everything in front of me being washed away, something “clicked” in me, and every since I’ve been fascinated with weather – especially severe weather.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love sharing information about one of my passions. I enjoy meeting people, too. I especially enjoy sharing severe weather safety information with anyone who will listen!

What did you enjoy most about your high school experience?

I had a great time at Fairview High. The students took a tremendous amount of pride in the school; it was always clean and looked new even years after it opened. That environment, coupled with great friends and caring teachers made for a great experience there for me. I very much appreciate my time there.

What WCS teacher made a difference in your life and how?

I could go on and on about my teachers – some of whom are still teaching today. From Pinewood to Fairview Middle to Fairview High, I always felt the teachers really cared and wanted all of us to do well. In high school, Hank Davis, Bill Buttery, Julia Gregg, Peggy Pendergrass, Linda Milam, Bill Stewart, and Wanda Welch all had a big impact on me. But one teacher, Evelyn Hickerson, had the greatest effect on my life. She was my third grade teacher at Pinewood which was my first year there. That December, our class did a project in which we researched Christmas trees from around the world. Mrs. Hickerson needed someone from the class to stand on stage in front of parents and fellow students during the school’s Christmas program to present our findings. I was surprised when she picked me. That program was my first experience with public speaking. A year later when I developed my passion for weather, I began to put two and two together and figured if I could combine my passion for weather with public speaking, I could do weather on TV!

Do you have any advice for current WCS students?

I would encourage WCS students, especially in high school, to enjoy each day. Your four years of high school will fly by, but they can be some of the most memorable and fun years of your life. I would also encourage you to follow your passions. Find what truly interests you and see if there’s a way to take that passion and blend it with your natural gifts and talents. I think that’s a prescription for a fulfilling life.