BY TRACY LEE TATE
Times Staff Writer
LAKE BUTLER —The Union County School Board met May 8 to handle a number of routine items and to honor a number of long-time district employees for their years of service.
The board makes it a regular practice to acknowledge the time and effort its employees have provided to the school system. Many of the employees have spent their entire careers working for the district and the board.
First honored were those retiring at the end of this school year. Each was given an engraved clock to commemorate their service. First called was Margie Coburn, who has taught in the district for 32 years. Next was John Dawson, who has worked 17 years in the transportation department. Pam Pittman was honored for her 14 years of service and Lisa Cunningham was then recognized for her 31 years with the district.
Three groups were presented with plaques commemorating their years of service. These are district employees who are continuing their employment. Five were recognized for having logged 20 years of service to the district. They were Kelly Andrews, Kelly Dorsey, Melda Howell, Kelly Neal and Lynn Trowell.
Employees with 25 years of service were Rita Baker (not present at the meeting), Margaret Clyatt (not present), Kyler Cohen, Pat Cunningham, Pam Higgenbotham, Tana Lawson, Mary Anne O’Steen (not present) and Christie Whitehead.
Four were honored for 30 years of service. These were Kelly Dukes, Sheri Fortune (not present), Missy Lynch (not present) and Chrystal Woodall.
Superintendent Mike Ripplinger presented the recognitions and spoke about each recipient as they came to shake his hand. Board members commented on their experiences with the honorees as well. Family members in the audience showed their pride in their applause as each honoree shook Ripplinger’s hand and received their award.
