Nineteen-year-old Christy Huddleston arrives from Asheville to teach in the poverty-stricken community of Cutter Gap, where she must learn to live on her own and fit it with the locals. Christy makes friends with Miss Alice at the Mission, the local doctor and the Reverend. Meanwhile, Christy and Dr. MacNeill spend some "quality" time together and the discovery of a secret stash of moonshine beneath the school causes problems for David and Christy.

Dr. Ferrand, mission director, pays a visit to Cutter Gap. Christy receives a large number of donations from Ashville, including equipment to hook up a phone line to El Pano.

When David's sister Ida prepares to marry her penpal, Clarence Sweetwater, this propels David to propose Christy. Meanwhile, Christy attempts to help teenager Lundy Taylor reconnect with his father.

Rob Allen is offered a college scholarship if he can pass a test. Zady Spencer feels left out when Christy begins spending so much time with Rob, tutoring him for his entrance exam.

Christy and her students set out to disprove a superstition and take a field trip into a cave but trouble ensues. Meanwhile, Ruby Mae discovers that she is related to a famous heroine.

New resident, Daniel Scott tries to make friends with the Spencers. Meanwhile, John Spencer becomes enamoured of Christy and Bessie Colburn spreads a malicious rumor about her out of jealousy.

A visiting benefactor for the mission seeks to acquire land for his lumber business, but it may not be what it seems.