From Storm to Sanctuary: How One Teacher’s Care for Chickens Reflects a Career of Compassion

On March 12th, when severe weather swept through Baldwin County, bringing heavy rain, powerful winds, and fear to many of our youngest students, a small group of chickens found themselves at the center of a much larger story. And at the heart of it all was Mrs. Linda Kadian.

Trusting Instinct in the Midst of the Storm

Prior to the storm, the National Weather Service hadn't held its early detection weather briefing, leading to many Middle Georgia school districts with little notice before the storms hit. Many, such as Baldwin County, were forced to shelter-in-place or delay opening. As the storm rolled in and  students arrived, staff moved swiftly to keep children safe. Kadian recalled, “The wind was horrible.”

Outside, another decision had to be made.

Mrs. Kadian's quick thinking saved her chickens from being demolished in the storm

Mrs. Kadian, who oversees the school’s agriculture program, made the call to release the chickens from their enclosure, trusting that their natural instincts would give them a better chance of finding shelter than remaining confined. It was a simple decision. But it made all the difference. “I knew that because the storm was coming, I was not going to leave them in an area that they couldn’t keep themselves safe,” she said.

The Story of Percy and Crumb

In the aftermath of the storm, the chickens’ stories began to unfold. Crumb, one of the younger hens, was found injured, unable to stand, sitting quietly in the dirt. What may have happened remains uncertain, but in the chaos of the storm, something had struck her leg. “It broke my heart,” Kadian said.

Without hesitation, she made sure Crumb received the care she needed, arranging for her to be taken to a safe place where she could rest and heal properly. With time and care, there is every hope she will return. Tori Dominy, Baldwin County's Student Information Coordinator, also runs a small chicken farm and was able to adopt Crumb for the time being to address her wounded leg. Tori and her husband, Chris Dominy, also donated a new coop for the chickens.

Percy, getting used to her new digs.

Another hen, Percy, had followed her instincts even further, leaving campus entirely and making her way nearly a mile away to Baldwin High School, which happened to be hosting MHP's theatre run of "Press Start", as she was found by MHP staff roaming the parking lot after the play let out. MHP Principal Tara Burney quipped, "Apparently one of our chickens wanted to see our play!"

A Classroom Built on Care

For Mrs. Kadian, moments like this are not separate from her teaching. They are the teaching. Now in her second year leading agriculture classes, she brings hands-on learning to life for students across grade levels. Whether students are exploring Georgia’s soil types or caring for animals, her classroom is rooted in experience, curiosity, and responsibility.

That passion has been shaped by a journey through Baldwin County Schools that reflects both dedication and adaptability. Over the past seven years, she has served as an administrative assistant, P.E. instructor, fourth grade teacher, and math and science educator, with each step leading her closer to the work she loves most. “I love the children," she said, "and I love teaching.”

And through it all, one thing has remained constant: her love for students and her commitment to doing what’s right for them.

A Legacy That Extends Beyond the Classroom

As Mrs. Kadian prepares to retire this year, her impact can be seen not only in lesson plans or classrooms, but in moments like this one. Where care, instinct, and quick thinking come together in service of others. She has created an environment where students learn more than academic standards. They learn compassion.