Coming Home to King's: The Lamon Family
As the 2026–2027 school year begins and Homecoming nears, TKA's Alumni Association is featuring alumni who have enrolled their own children at The King's Academy. In this inaugural Lion Legacy feature, we introduce David Lamon, Class of 2011, and his wife, Jennie, who are continuing their TKA story with their children, Ryleigh and Reid.
After graduating from TKA in 2011, David met his wife, Jennie, while they attended Maryville College. They dated all four years of college and were married in July 2016 after graduation.
They moved to Louisville, Kentucky, where they both pursued graduate studies. Jennie earned her Master of Occupational Therapy from Spalding University, and David earned his Master of Divinity in Great Commission Studies from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
They returned to Knoxville in 2021. Jennie now works at Max Kids Pediatric Therapy in Powell, while David continues his career of more than a decade in cellular sales. Their daughter, Ryleigh, was born in 2019, and Reid came along in 2023.
A New Generation of Little Lions
For David and Jennie, bringing their children to King's was an easy decision.
“As soon as we saw TKA offered Pre-K 3, we knew our daughter would start as soon as she could.”David Lamon '11
Ryleigh, now a first grader, has begun her fourth year as a Little Lion, while Reid has just joined the Early Learning Center in Pre-K 3.
“Our son is thriving so far in Pre-K 3 and loves his teacher who is, according to him, ‘the best teacher ever,’” David said.
Their experience with Ryleigh has shown David and Jennie what it means for teachers to truly partner with a family.
“Our daughter is outspoken, loves to talk, and can be a bit rambunctious at times. Every teacher she's had has always been willing to reach out to us, partner with us, and try to help mold her into the version of herself God created her to be.”
“King's has been so influential that she actually accepted Christ in chapel in October of 2025 during Kindergarten. We will forever be grateful for the shepherding leading to that moment and the shepherding that continues to happen daily at the school.”David Lamon '11
The Heart of King's Remains
While some things have changed on campus since David's time at TKA, he is thankful that the main purpose of King's continues today.
“One thing that has remained the same is the consistent Christ-centeredness of the school. The learning that takes place is done for His glory and for the students' good.”
David sees that mission extending well beyond the classroom.
“Even when they're playing outside at recess, there is a constant reminder and undertone of actions being done with Christ in mind. Schools must always change and adapt as needs change with students or curriculum, but keeping Christ at the center is always something King's has done well.”
The King's Academy Way
During the opening days of this school year, David witnessed a simple moment that captured something familiar about King's.
“As I was dropping off my daughter for her second day, there was a little girl leaving mom behind. Mom was a bit shocked because of how quickly her daughter took off and seemed to be just fine being back at school. No tears. No long goodbyes. She was just sprinting to her classroom.”
“That's The King's Academy way!”David Lamon '11
“We've come to expect our kids, as they continue in their education, to approach the school with the same tenacity as that little girl because, after all, it's The King's Academy way.”
David concludes with gratitude for the people who continue the work that shaped his own years at King's.
“My wife and I are eternally grateful for the teachers, staff, and everyone that makes TKA work.”
The Story Continues.
We are blessed to welcome the Lamon family back to The King's Academy for the 2026–2027 school year and to see another generation of Lions growing, learning, and following Christ at King's.
