BY TRACY LEE TATE
Times Editor
At its regular May meeting the Union County School Board took time at the beginning of the meeting to recognize employees retiring soon and those with 20 years or more of service to the school district. Band members from both Lake Butler Middle School and Union County High School who participated in solo and ensemble competition held by the Band Master’s Association were also recognized.
Retirees honored included: Betty Brackett (40 years), Susie Crawford (17 years), Nancy Griffis (24 years), Lee Hughes (41 years), Debe Stephenson (26 years) and Jimmy Thomas.
Employees honored for years of service included: (with 20 years) Cynthia Howell, Alice Winningham, Jacquelyn Moseley and Delores Sapp; (with 25 years) Betty Hutton; (with 30 years) Elizabeth (Betsy) Whitehead and Lisa Cunningham; (with 35 years) Celeste Saunders and Thomas “Bub” Williams; Betty Bracket (40 years and Eugene Dukes (46 years).
Each honoree received a plaque commemorating their contributions and the thanks of Superintendent of Schools Mike Ripplinger and the members of the board.
Members of the LBMS and UCHS bands received certificates of achievement for competing in solo and ensemble competition.
LBMS Band Director Caleb Switanek and UCHS Asst. Band Director Pam Higginbotham (Band Director Kelley Dorsey was not in attendance due to illness) called each of their students up to the podium and they received a certificate of accomplishment from Ripplinger.
LBMS students recognized who were in attendance included: Amry Sullivan, Lacy Fipps, Carmyn Barringer, Serenity Rainey, Barry Anderson-Davis, Princess Maxwell, Marlee Trowell, Kendyl Brannen, Preston Flick and Brianna Elixson. Band members recognized but not in attendance included: Brooklyn Barnes, Chloie Harris, Estrella Hernandez, Cole Gaultney and Tucker Dortch.
UCHS students recognized who were in attendance included: Nolan Beighley, Sierra O’Steen, Alena Boyer, Robert Smith, Trestin Durant, Ke’Andre Stephens and Jessica Kingsbury. UCHS band members not in attendance included: Eli Hendricks, Nadia Norman, Ethan Ali, Nathan Pavlisko, Makayla McKenzie, Lyndee Griffis, Darby Andrews, Natalie Gay, Karleigh White and Laura Park.
It was also noted which band members scored either an excellent or superior rating in competition. Students earning an excellent rating included: Ethan Ali, Lyndee Griffis, Natalie Gay, Karleigh White and Laura Park (all UCHS students). Students earning a superior rating included: Robert Smith, Makalya McKenzie and Laura Park (also all UCHS students). Two students, Eli Hendricks and Nolan Beighley, will take part in the Honor Band and several of the students will move on to compete at the state level, where they will play more advanced music in competition.
All of the board members, as well as Ripplinger, complimented the students achievements.
“Think about the number of hours these students have worked on their music, outside of school hours, to acquire the skill that they are not being recognized for,” School Board Member Allen Parrish said. “I think the same about the hours put in by the other people we have recognized here tonight – not just hours in the office or classroom, but all the other hours talking with students and parents, preparing lessons and grading assignments. Their dedication is commendable and they are all representing our district and county well.”
