Community News
Retiring Educators Celebrated
By
May 7, 2008, 08:57

Twelve Decatur County educators, with a combined total of 355 years of service, were honored at the annual Decatur County BOE Retirement Banquet on Monday evening.

Seated left to right: Ruth Rennick, Marsha Robinson, Barbara Wilkin and Portia LaCount. Standing left to right: Barbara Brock, Elizabeth Barber, Brenda Bethea, Rosalyn Marie Barber, Melinda Dollar and Carole Poitevint

It was an evening of celebrating their dedication and tireless efforts and accomplishments educating and preparing our children for their future.

Those retiring are:
Rosalyn Marie Barber.........Support Center............30 years
Brenda Bethea...................Bainbridge High...........30 years
Barbara Brock....................Elcan King....................30 years
Melinda Dollar....................John Johnson...............31 years
Susan Stanley...................John Johnson................31 years
Portia LaCount..................Jones Wheat.................30 years
Ruth Rennick.....................Jones Wheat.................30 years
Marcia Robinson................Jones Wheat.................25 years
Barbara Wilkin...................Jones Wheat................32 years
Susan Chase.....................Lillian E. Williams..........30 years
Carole Poitevint.................Potter Street................26 years
Elizabeth Barber................West Bainbridge Elem..30 years
 
Mrs. Calvine Rollins, Georgia Association of Educators Vice-President and Decatur County Association of Educators President, introduced the guest speaker, Jeff Hubbard, President of the Georgia Association of Educators. Hubbard spoke to the retirees and guests about their future.

Hubbard asked them a question that they had probably asked their students thousands of time, "what will you be?". He stated that they had a whole world before them and a whole world of possibilities.

His advise was that they not lose their passion for children and their education. He encouraged them to speak up, speak out, speak for the children and to advocate for those they love. "Your impact on children in this community will be seen for decades." Hubbard told the retirees. 

Decatur County School Superintendent, Ralph Jones, addressed the retirees thanking them "for a job well done and for all those years of service to the boys and girl". "I think we would all agree that you have the most important job in America." He also stated, "there's no better satisfaction, no better fulfillment than to realize you made a difference in another persons life."

Also recognized were individuals from each school and each of the Decatur County School departments.

As is always the case with this banquet, it was a wonderful celebration of dedication and commitment, not only by these 12 retirees but of all those that work with our children teaching them academics and life lessons.