BY DAN HILDEBRAN
The Union County School District honored three retirees during its meeting on July 8.
Paul Griffis
Superintendent Mike Ripplinger announced that Paul Griffis was retiring after 34 years of service.
“You have been a fixture,” Ripplinger told the retiree, “not only around our district, but at the football games.”
Griffis said he would continue to work football games as a member of the chain crew.
“When you think of dedication, when you think of hard work, when you think of Union County, you think of this guy right here, and he has been dedicated,” the superintendent continued.
Tammy Highland
Lake Butler Middle School Principal Marcie Tucker joined Ripplinger to say goodbye to the next retiree, Tammy Highland.
The superintendent said Highland was retiring after seven years and is known for her trademark smile.
Tucker said Highland was dependable and could be relied upon to get jobs done.
“But one of the things that I miss most of all every day, when I got to school is, she was worshiping Jesus with some praise and music,” said the principal, “and she set that tone for the day. “No matter what came along, Jesus was going to be there with you to get through it.”
Tucker added that Highland’s encouragement is motivating her to encourage others.
“It’s like I need to be that person for others,” Tucker said. “I’m telling you, she’s a leader and she’s one you’d follow because she’s guided by Jesus, and she walks the walk and talks the talk.”
Bonnie Honour
Union County High School Principal Julie Denson joined Ripplinger to recognize Bonnie Honour.
The superintendent said Honour was retiring after nine years and was noted at the high school for her smile and love for students.
Denson said Honour was a colleague before Denson became her supervisor.
“This is a person you want in your corner,” she added. “She loves kids. She loves kids so much that we got her out of ISS and put her in ESE, where she could just love and love and love on kids.”
Denson said Honour was a fierce advocate for her students.
