Board of Education honors employees’ extensive service, congratulates State winners

PERRY — The Houston County Board of Education recognized many employees who have been a part of the Houston County School District for 30 and 35 years. 

“It is my privilege to recognize each of you for reaching this incredible milestone of 30 and 35 years of service. Your dedication to our students in our District has played a vital role in helping us achieve our mission of high achievement for all and continuous growth,” Assistant Superintendent Christopher Brown said. “Remaining in one District for so many years speaks volumes about your commitment to our community, and the impact you’ve had on students and colleagues alike is truly immeasurable. On behalf of the Houston County community, I want to express our deepest gratitude for the years of service you have given.” 

District employees honored for serving 30 years include: 

• Katherine Branch, Northside High School
• Susan Campbell, Student Services 
• Sabrina Comeau, Langston Road Primary School
• Brooks Cumbie, Transition Academy
• Karma Golden-Hayes, Houston County High School 
• James Hamm, Technology
• Andrea Jackson, Feagin Mill Middle School
• Nikki Johnson, Miller Elementary School
• Kristin Keith, Lake Joy Elementary School 
• Denise Maddox, Russell Elementary School
• Mike Martin, Warner Robins Middle School
• Robin Martin, Kings Chapel Elementary School
• Bonnie McCarthy, Matt Arthur Elementary School
• Michael Minshew, Technology
• Cathy Phillips, Perry High School
• Judy Rigdon, Westside Elementary School
• Gloria Sandifer, Westside Elementary School
• Mary Smith, Centerville Elementary School

District employees honored for serving 35 years include: 

• Robert Jones, Maintenance
• Teri Simpson, Langston Road Primary School 

“On behalf of our entire Board of Education, you have our deepest appreciation for your countless hours, days, weeks, months and years that you have served our school system, and we genuinely appreciate everything that you’ve done for the students and staff of the Houston County School District,” Board Chair Helen Hughes said. 

The Board also heard from their guests in attendance, including Matt Arthur Elementary, Houston County High School, Huntington Middle, Quail Run Elementary and WIN Academy. Each school principal highlighted a few star students and their Teacher of the Year. 

“Thank you to all of our guests and for the inspiration you give to each of us,” Hughes said.  

The Board congratulated a plethora of State Winners, including DECA State winners. 

Haydn Hardegree and Caidence Scott from Veterans High School placed first in Buying and Merchandising Team Decision Making. James Osborne from Northside High School placed first in Retail Merchandising and Darshan Patel, also from Northside High School, placed first in Buying and Merchandising Online Testing. 

All-State Band Members from Houston County High School, Perry High School and Veterans High School, and State Champions in wrestling were also recognized. 

Mikayala Williams from Houston County High School placed first in the 5A 110 pound class and Matthew Kholman of Perry High School placed first in the 4A 113 pound class. 

During Board Member comments, Jon Nichols provided comments centered around the retirements. He said it was shocking to see the amount of retirements and transfers they had. 

“While looking at the number that will be leaving us this year I thought, ‘do they really know how much we appreciate them and how much we will miss their smile, hugs, advice, discipline and their willingness to serve’,” Nichols said. “There is no way I can express my gratitude for you and all that you did for me in all of my years. The magnitude of your lives put onto me can never be put into words. May we always take the time to remember our teachers and never miss a chance to say thank you for everything.”

This week is Board Appreciation Week and Hughes said they get an overwhelming form of appreciation each year. 

“We don’t do this job for any accolades or anything like that, but thank you from the bottom or our hearts,” she said.

The Superintendent’s Report led by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Scott touched on their recent Teacher Recruitment Fair held on Feb. 22, at Veterans High School. He said there were over 430 applicants in attendance. Those interested in teaching in Houston County can visit www.hcbe.net/teachhouston.

Scott also highlighted the Perry Area Chamber and Robins Regional Chamber Star Students and Teachers. 

“The program recognizes the students with the highest SAT scores at each of our high schools. The students select their Star Teacher for the contributions they made to their academic success,” he said. 

Congratulations were also made for the Literary Region Champions of Houston County High School and Perry High School as well as the Warner Robins High School boys basketball team for winning region and the basketball teams Bonaire Middle School 7th grade girls, Huntington Middle 7th grade boys, Perry Middle School 8th grade girls and Feagin Mill Middle School 8th grade boys for winning their championships. 

The next Houston County Board of Education meeting will be on April 8, at the Board Office in Perry. The full agenda to this meeting can be found at simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=4089&MID=124244.