By Ammie Ruddle
Ten members of the Pendleton County Schools staff were recognized for a collective 237 years of service to the school system.
The Pendleton County Board of Education and staff came together on June 14 to recognize individuals who have performed an outstanding job during the school year, as well as those individuals who have decided to retire following years of service to the Pendleton County school system.
Principal at Franklin Elementary School, Barbra Whitecotton, receives the attendance cup from Charles Hedrick, superintendent of Pendleton County Schools.
Teacher and service personnel of the year were Dolly Rexrode – Service Personnel of the Year – Brandywine Elementary School, Joey Eason – Teacher of the Year – BES, Heather Copley – Service Personnel of the Year – Franklin Elementary School, Donita Kimble – Teacher of the Year – FES, Ashley Holloway – Service Personnel of the Year – North Fork Elementary School, Stacy Slaughter – Teacher of the Year – NFES, Katie George – Service Personnel of the Year – Pendleton County Middle/High School, Krystal Raymond – Teacher of the Year – PCMHS, Charles “Chuck” Miller – Service Personnel of the Year – transportation/maintenance, and Lisa Jamison – Service Personnel of the Year – central office.
Jamison had also been awarded Pendleton County Service Personnel of the Year. Kimble had also been awarded Pendleton County Teacher of the Year.
Retirees were recognized for their years of services and dedication to Pendleton County Schools. Plaques were presented to all retirees: Crystal Ceely – 31 years, Jo Lynn Mitchell – 25 years, Kathy Lockard – 17 years, John Jenkins – 12 years, Katie George – 20 years, and Dempsey Thompson – 30 years. There were some who were not in attendance however still recognized: Debra Glover – 38 years, Michael Vargo – 12 years, Cheryl Phares – 34 years, and Vicki Hammer – 18 years.
Charles Hedrick, superintendent, presented the annual attendance cup to Barbara Whitecotton, principal at FES, for their annual attendance rate of 93.812%. The cup is awarded annually to the school with the best annual attendance rate.