Teachers retire from schools

Published 12:00 am Saturday, May 29, 2004

There have been many that have come before then, many that will come after them, but for now they are the ones the students will remember the most. They have given their time, energy, love, support and encouragement through out their careers. They have given their all.

Administrators like Bobby Lee, Charles Henderson High School interim principal who has been in education for 26 years. He has been a head coach, assistant coach, taught drivers education and health. He has had many ups and downs in his career but favorite memory that sticks out is working with Dr. Linda Felton-Smith, superintendent.

"Having her and many others as friend's is the hardest thing I will have to walk away from," Lee said. "And the kids, they are such good kids, it will be hard to not see them on a daily basis."

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Lee said he has always tried to help students out, especially the underdog. His love for students will certainly be missed by all.

"The board has been so great, the city of Troy has been wonderful and the kids as well," he said. "I am thankful for the parents who have shared their children with me."

Another administrator that will be missed is Leona Turner, Goshen High School guidance counselor. She has been in education for 26 years and has taught fifth grade, sixth grade and been a guidance counselor.

"I have gotten to watch some wonderful groups come and graduate," Turner said. "I will miss the children most of all."

Turner said when she became guidance counselor she made it her goal to find a way for every student to continue their education after high school. She has been able to meet that goal and many others.

"I love to help my students get scholarships," she said. "I have created the PAUL scholarship for students to at least try to go to college."

Turner will be missed but she is looking forward to spending more time with her six grandchildren.

Another teacher that will be missed is Troy Elementary, second grade teacher Kathy Bassett. She has been teaching for 29 years. She said it will be hard or her to leave as well.

"I miss watching the children grow and learn," she said. "The kids smiles and the friendships I have made here at TES."

Another retiring teacher is Susan Berry who has been teaching for 34 years. She has enjoyed being with children as well.

"I will miss the stimulation of being with this bright students," she said. "I am really looking forward to going home and being an artist though."

Other retirees in Troy School system are: CHHS, Marna Barnett, Elizabeth Doty, Wayne Locklar, and Gayle Jordan. At Troy-Pike Center for Technology is Deborah Huggins. Support staff at TES is Lucile Wright.

In the Pike County School System: Banks, Kathleen Forbish, Joy Ingram and Arlene Tyson. At Goshen elementary are: Mike Bragg, Deborah Sanders, Shirley King and Rebecca Shipman. At Pike County Elementary is: Vallanda Baker, Bonita Barron, Nancy Brown, Deborah Hopper, Carolyn Smith, Connie Tatom, Jumell Tindol and Mary O'Hara. At Pike County High School: Joseph Boyd and Marilyn Thompson. Support Personnel: Annette Adkins, Annie Terry and Raymond Spivey.

Congratulations on your retirement and good luck with your future!