2019-2020 Retiree Program

2019-2020 Retirement Recognition LLEETT TTHHEE AADDVVEENNTTUURREE BBEEGGIINN!!



Helen Hughes, Vice Chairman Superintendent of Schools Dave Crockett Lori Johnson Dr. Mark Scott Hoke Morrow Dr. Rick Unruh Bryan Upshaw Board Members Mr. Fred Wilson, Chairman May 15, 2020 Dear Retiree, Whether a classroom teacher, administrator, nurse, maintenance worker, bus driver, custodian, lunchroom worker, clerical staff member, paraprofessional, central office or other school district employee, the children you served daily looked to you for a smile, kind word or some small sign that they were special to you. The difference you made in their lives will last for years to come. You have been essential to our district as you contributed toward our mission to produce high- achieving students and our vision that our district will be world class. Our children and young people will continue to excel because of your efforts. Houston County schools are successful because of our people, and you exemplify our district’s best. Your dedication to students during the years you served in the Houston County School District is appreciated more than you will ever know. It is a pleasure to honor you and to publicly recognize your contributions to our schools and community. Having worked in the field of education, you have touched many lives, created lasting memories, given countless hugs and brightened dreary days. You have been a role model to numerous young people and adults through the years, perhaps even a hero or mentor. Your years of service will forever contribute to the Houston County Way tradition and be a part of our school district’s history. As you experience this new chapter in your life, I hope that you will remember with affection all the memories you made while a member of our district. We will certainly remember you. I wish you the best in your retirement and hope that this next chapter of your life will be even more special. May you be richly blessed in the years ahead. Sincerely, Mark A. Scott, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools P.O. Box 1850 • Perry, Georgia 31069 (478) 988-6200 • Fax (478) 988-6259 www.hcbe.net

Presenting our 2019 – 2020 Retirees Sally Adams ................................................................................................................................................... Perry Middle Ursula Akridge ...................................................................................................................... Shirley Hills Elementary Steve Atkins ................................................................................................................................................ Veterans High David Bailey................................................................................................................................................ Veterans High Jay Barker...........................................................................................................................................Russell Elementary Jordan Bowden, Jr. ............................................................................................................ Maintenance Department Gaynell Bowman ...................................................................................................................... Quail Run Elementary Kay Bowman ..................................................................................................................................... Miller Elementary Robin Bradley ........................................................................................................................ Matt Arthur Elementary Donna Brown ............................................................................................................................................. Veterans High Gustavo Camacho ........................................................................................................ Transportation Department Sophia Carter .......................................................................................................... Houston County WIN Academy Candace Clester .................................................................................................................. Kings Chapel Elementary Cindy Collier ......................................................................................................................... Morningside Elementary Sammie Cone ........................................................................................................................................... Northside High Keri Conkle ..........................................................................................................................David Perdue Elementary Melody Cook ............................................................................................................................... Houston County High Lisa Danforth ....................................................................................................................... Morningside Elementary Elijah Davis ......................................................................................................................... Maintenance Department Queenester Davis ........................................................................................................ Transportation Department Tricia Etheridge ....................................................................................................................... David Perdue Primary Tonya Fowler ............................................................................................................................... Warner Robins High Lynne Franzkowiak .................................................................................................................. Westside Elementary Chris Freitag .................................................................................................................................. Lindsey Elementary Phil Gentry ........................................................................................................................................................ Perry High Barbara Gilmore ........................................................................................................................................ Perry Middle Jonathan Gill .................................................................................................................................. Mossy Creek Middle Susan Godbee ....................................................................................................................... Morningside Elementary Della Griffore ....................................................................................................................... Kings Chapel Elementary Stacey Harden ............................................................................................................................................. Perry Middle Laverne Harvey ............................................................................................................ Transportation Department Joyce Henderson ......................................................................................................................... Warner Robins High Freda Hodges .............................................................................................................................................. Perry Middle Anita Hornsby ........................................................................................................................... Northside Elementary Paula Hurst ...................................................................................................................................... Huntington Middle James Jackson .................................................................................................................................... Northside Middle Roy Jackson ......................................................................................................................... Kings Chapel Elementary Jan Jacobsen ................................................................................................................................................ Central Office David Jernigan ................................................................................................................ Transportation Department Maureen Kaminski .................................................................................................................................. Veterans High Kimberly Kersey ............................................................................................................................................. Perry High Kevin Kinsler ........................................................................................................................................... Northside High Jesse Ledger .......................................................................................................................................................Perry High Grace Lee .......................................................................................................................................... Russell Elementary Johanna Logan .............................................................................................................................. Bonaire Elementary Tonia McDermott .................................................................................................................... Quail Run Elementary

Karen McDonald ............................................................................................................................................. Perry High Yvonne McGhee ................................................................................................................................... Thomson Middle Wanda McKinley ............................................................................................................................ Russell Elementary Mike McLaughlin ........................................................................................................................... Huntington Middle Connie McLemore ..................................................................................................................................... Perry Middle Bernice Milton .............................................................................................................................. Mossy Creek Middle Peggy Miller ............................................................................................................................................... Veterans High Elaine Moncrief .................................................................................................................... Matt Arthur Elementary Sabrina Moore .................................................................................................................................. Miller Elementary Suzette Moraska .......................................................................................................................... Bonaire Elementary Roselaine Nelson ........................................................................................................................... Huntington Middle June Noles ................................................................................................................................................ Bonaire Middle Cynthia Padgett .............................................................................................................. Langston Road Elementary René Perry ................................................................................................................................. Quail Run Elementary Judy Peters ....................................................................................................................................... Hilltop Elementary Denise Potts ................................................................................................................................ Houston County High Mattie Roberts ..................................................................................................................................... Thomson Middle Denise Roby ...................................................................................................................................... Feagin Mill Middle Brenda Rodgers ........................................................................................................................ Houston County High Johnny Ross .............................................................................................................................. Parkwood Elementary Reginald Sanks ........................................................................................................................ Parkwood Elementary Chris Smith ................................................................................................................................... Warner Robins High Devin Smith ................................................................................................................................................. Perry Middle Doreen Smith ............................................................................................................................... Warner Robins High Shiri Starvetsky ................................................................................................................................... Thomson Middle Kim Stewart ............................................................................................................................................. Northside High Linda Stokes ............................................................................................................................. Warner Robins Middle Gladys Stubbs ................................................................................................................ Transportation Department Julie Teague ................................................................................................................................... Warner Robins High Johnnie Thomas ................................................................................................................ Maintenance Department Bonita Thomie ......................................................................................................................... Parkwood Elementary Maxalan Vickers .................................................................................................................................. Thomson Middle Kelly Voss ............................................................................................................................. Kings Chapel Elementary Valerie Walker .......................................................................................................................... Quail Run Elementary Vicki Walker .................................................................................................................................... Tucker Elementary Nancy Walters .......................................................................................................................... Quail Run Elementary Ruth White ....................................................................................................................................... Hilltop Elementary Kathy Williams ................................................................................................... Houston County Career Academy Mamie Williams ............................................................................................................................. Russell Elementary Mary Williams .............................................................................................................................. Lindsey Elementary Sandra Woodfork .................................................................................................. Houston County WIN Academy Joan Yandles .......................................................................................................................... Matt Arthur Elementary Heartfelt congratulations for the hard work you have done to reach this chapter in your lives!

2019 – 2020 Retirees’ Biographies Ursula Akridge – Ursula Akridge is a native of Moultrie and a graduate of Colquitt County High. She attended Abraham Baldwin College before transferring to Valdosta State, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. Mrs. Akridge began teaching at Byron Elementary, where she taught for 12 years. She has 19 years of service with the Houston County School District. Mrs. Akridge served as a first-grade teacher for 11 years and a kindergarten teacher for the last eight years. She received her M.Ed. from Georgia College & State University during her career at Shirley Hills Elementary. Mrs. Akridge looks forward to having more time with her family after retirement. She plans to work with her husband, Bob, and sons, John and Clay, in their home renovation and flip business. Mrs. Akridge enjoys gardening at home and hosting events with her friends. Steve Atkins – Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steve Atkins is retiring for the second time! His first career was serving his country flying Air Force airplanes for 20+ years. His second career of 17+ years was teaching Air Force JROTC at Warner Robins High and Veterans High. He truly considers himself a very lucky man to have had two very enjoyable and rewarding careers. Lt Col. Atkins was a Teacher of the Year at both high schools and finished in the top 10 while at Warner Robins High and was a runner-up when representing Veterans. His future plans include lots of golfing, traveling, and enjoying his grandchildren. David Bailey – David Bailey has lived in Warner Robins since he was one year old. A graduate of Northside High, he earned a degree in photojournalism from the University of Georgia. David worked as a photographer for two years before getting his teaching certification. He started working for the Houston County School District as an English teacher at Perry High. David then earned his library certification and began working as a librarian at Northside Middle before transferring to Houston County High, and finally, Veterans High. He has spent his entire career in education with the Houston County School District. Now he looks forward to every day being summer and hanging out with his wife, Kim Bailey, dogs, and grandbabies. Jay Barker – Jay Barker is retiring after teaching elementary physical education for 30 years. He taught and coached for 25 years in Peach County and has spent the last five years in Houston County at Russell Elementary. He is looking forward to continuing to coach travel ball, play guitar, and stay active. Gaynell Bowman – Gaynell Bowman grew up in Resaca, Ga. and was a graduate of Calhoun High where she trained and received her license in cosmetology. She moved to Warner Robins with her husband after he enlisted in the U. S. Air Force and was stationed at Robins AFB. She began her teaching career with the district at Centerville Elementary and is retiring from Quail Run Elementary after 26 years of service. She has been blessed with many cherished friends. Mrs. Bowman is looking forward to traveling with her husband, spending quality time with her grandchildren and continuing to work with youth at First Baptist Church Centerville. She has enjoyed working with her students and coworkers, which she will dearly miss. Gustavo Camacho – Gustavo Camacho served the Houston County School District Transportation Department for 14 years. He earned perfect attendance awards for 10 years, an honor he prizes dearly. A Colombian native, Mr. Camacho has lived in and loved the United States for 35 years. He spent half of those in New York City before moving to Warner Robins. A beloved father of six children and grandfather to seven, Mr. Camacho looks forward to visiting his family residing all around the world! He also plans to go on culinary adventures with his youngest daughter, Vanessa.

Candace Clester – Candace Clester is looking forward to her retirement! She has 17 years of service in Houston County as a speech language pathologist (SLP) paraprofessional. She also worked in Texas for seven years as a SLP/resource teacher. Mrs. Clester loves to sew and read. She hopes to travel more during her retirement. She also plans to become involved in two ministries at church - Christ Lutheran, a quilting ministry, and Thee Lords Table. She is also looking forward to the start of the football season. Mrs. Clester is excited that her son, Ian, will move back to Georgia this fall to work on his PhD at Georgia Institute of Technology. Sammie Cone – Sammie Cone was born in Jacksonville, Fla. His family moved to Houston County when he was five years old. Mr. Cone has worked for the Houston County School District for 18 years and retires from Northside High as a custodian. He is a devoted family man to his wife of 29 years, four children and two grandchildren. Mr. Cone enjoys spending time with his family and plans to do more of that during his retirement. He also plans to spend time traveling with his wife. Lisa Danforth – Lisa Danforth is a native of California. She received her bachelor’s degree from California State University at Fullerton, a master’s from Walden University, and a specialist from Georgia Southwestern. She started her Houston County teaching career at Northside Middle, where she taught eighth grade for two years and sixth grade for two years. Ms. Danforth has been a teacher at Morningside Elementary for the past 26 years, where she has taught first through fourth grades. Ms. Danforth looks forward to moving back home to California to take care of her mother. She also looks forward to having time to devote to her sons, Eric, James, and Brett. Ms. Danforth also plans to catch up on her reading and scrapbooking. Tricia Etheridge – Tricia Etheridge graduated from Mitchell County High in Camilla, Ga. She then served for 17 years in administrative positions in some of the world’s largest companies such as Moore Business Forms, Inc., Blue Bird, and Brown & Williamson, as well as being employed by Robins AFB. She then began her journey of 25 years in education, teaching at Pearl Stephens Elementary for two years after receiving her bachelor’s degree at Georgia College & State University and a Master of Science in Guidance and Counseling at Fort Valley State University. For the next 23 years, she had the honor and privilege to serve as guidance counselor for Parkwood Elementary and David A. Perdue Primary. Her passion for counseling will continue as she and her husband, Derrell, serve others through ministry. Mrs. Etheridge hopes to devote more time to her family, which consists of eight wonderful grandkids! Also, after having visited several countries and most of the states in the U.S., she and Derrell plan to continue their love for traveling. Lynne Franzkowiak – Lynne Franzkowiak is originally from Utah. Upon completing her education degree, she taught kindergarten for one year in Powell, Wyo. Mrs. Franzkowiak moved back to Utah and taught kindergarten for another four years in Layton, Utah. Her husband was offered a job at Robins AFB, so her family moved to Warner Robins in 1989. After staying home with her children for 11 years, Mrs. Franzkowiak resumed teaching at Westside Elementary, where she taught second grade for five years. Afterward, she was selected to be a math EIP teacher when that program was started. She has been married to her husband, Claus, for almost 38 years. She has two married children, Steven and Christine, four grandchildren, and one more grandson arriving in July. She hopes to spend more time with her grandchildren once she is retired. She also enjoys Bible study, gardening, and other outdoor activities. Chris Freitag – Chris Freitag was born in New York and grew up in Philadelphia and also near the New Jersey shore. She received her bachelor’s degree from Glassboro State College. After moving to Georgia, she earned a master’s degree from Georgia College & State University. Mrs. Freitag taught pre-school in the private sector before teaching at Lindsey Elementary for 23 years - 18 as a first-grade teacher and five as the friendly media specialist. She plans to annoy Albert, her husband of 36 years,

as much as possible. She cannot wait to embarrass her grown children, Mallory (Houston) and Ross (Atlanta) and goad them into giving her grandchildren. She plans to visit her family, read and hoard books, cheer the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles, nap, and search for Bigfoot. She will dearly miss her Lindsey family. “Love ya! Mean it!” Phil Gentry – Dr. Phil Gentry started his teaching career in Houston County in the fall of 1993 as the first agriculture education instructor at Houston County High. In 1998, Dr. Gentry moved to Perry High as the Houston County Young Farmer (HCYF) Advisor, where he has remained for 22 years. He began his teaching career at Macon County High as an agriculture education instructor in 1991. Prior to teaching, he was a farmer, concentrating in row crops, blueberries, poultry, hay, and cattle. Dr. Gentry was Teacher of the Year at Macon County High in 1992 and Houston County High in 1994, as well as the district’s Houston County Teacher of the Year in 1994. Dr. Gentry built the first modern livestock- focused school farm in Houston County at Houston County High in 1995, and later helped build a school farm at Perry High. His personal goal was that all district middle and high schools have school farms to allow all students the opportunity for a supervised agriculture experience of showing livestock. He has been instrumental in leading the HCYF Program and helping the chapter to grow and thrive. Under his leadership, the Houston County Young Farmers have raised funds, supported local agriculture students, and cultivated the local livestock show into the largest local livestock show in the state. In 2012, he was recognized as the National Outstanding Post-Secondary Teacher by the National Association of Agriculture Teachers. He has also led the Georgia Young Farmer Cattle Show for the last 13 years. His students and adult HCYF members have succeeded at local, state, and national levels because of his tenure as the advisor. Dr. Gentry has made a difference in many students’ lives over the years because of their experiences with growing and showing livestock, building barns, and learning to operate farm equipment. Married to Brenda Gentry for 39 years, they have three children - Philip/Lindsay Gentry, Hanna Gentry, and Brent/Rae Gentry. They also have three grandchildren - Cason, Anna Helen, and Gus Gentry. He plans to spend his retirement days enjoying his family and working with cattle. Barbara Gilmore – Barbara Gilmore is a native of Fort Valley. She has worked in the field of education for over 44 years. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Fort Valley State University. She taught at Perry Middle for 25 years and has taught computers, technology, and social studies. She has been called “Momma Gilmore” by her students because she always seemed to be more like a mother than a teacher. Mrs. Gilmore looks forward to having time to devote to her husband and family. She is especially looking forward to spending time with her husband, Raymond, because of all the sacrifices he has made for her throughout her career. Della Griffore – Della Griffore has been with the Houston County School District since 1994. She has served at Perry High, Tucker Elementary, Perry Primary, and finally, Kings Chapel Elementary. She is one of the original 12 health techs hired for the district. She remained at “The Chapel” until retiring in November 2019. Since retiring she has been enjoying coffee in the mornings on her back porch while watching birds at her feeders and enjoying their songs. She has also enjoyed hosting and entertaining out-of-town friends. Mrs. Griffore plans to continue to welcome friends and family to her home in the future. Her passion has become creating outdoor spaces that are inviting to people and nature. Freda Hodges – Freda Hodges is a native of Oklahoma. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Welch College, formerly Free Will Baptist Bible College, in Nashville, Tenn. and her master’s degree from American College of Education. She has been a teacher at Perry Middle for 15 years. She taught Georgia History for two years before being reassigned to language arts. Mrs. Hodges is married to a Houston County retired educator; both of their sons and daughters-in-law are also teachers. Mrs. Hodges is looking forward to spending time with her family and being “Gran” to her four

grandchildren, reading as many books as possible and attending football games to watch her sons as coaches. Anita Hornsby – Anita Hornsby is a native of Donalsonville, Ga. and a graduate of Seminole County High. She has resided in Warner Robins since 1988. She received her bachelor’s degree from Valdosta State University and has been a teacher at Northside Elementary for 29 years. Mrs. Hornsby taught second and third grade for four years and kindergarten for 25 years. After retirement, she looks forward to spending time with her family, visiting friends, renovating her home, and traveling. Jan Jacobsen – Jan Jacobsen was born in Chicago and attended a Catholic school for grades 1-8 and a public school for grades 9-12. Six months after her wedding, her husband enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and remained active duty for 23 years. Two daughters were born in Indiana and two were born overseas, in Germany and England. Mrs. Jacobsen graduated from the University of Maryland, European Division. Her studies included “field seminars” in major European locations such as: Shakespeare in Stratford, Drama in London, Ernest Hemingway in Spain, and the Renaissance in Italy. For fun, she took a couple of classes at Oxford University. She earned a master’s from Georgia College & State University and a specialist from Columbus State University. Mrs. Jacobsen taught English at Houston County High for nearly 10 years and has been the Director of Gifted Education and AP Coordinator for 14 years. Three years ago, she also became the Fine Arts Coordinator. Mrs. Jacobsen is richly blessed and looks forward to spending more time with family, including five grandchildren, traveling, and transitioning to what she calls “Jan 2.0.” Grace Lee – Grace Lee is a native of Dawson, Ga. and a graduate of Terrell Academy. She received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s from Georgia Southwestern College. She has been a teacher at Russell Elementary since August 1988 where she taught kindergarten through fifth grade interrelated resource. She also co-taught classes for a year in the self-contained MIID class. Mrs. Lee was the 1996 Russell Elementary Teacher of the Year. Married to Kevin, her three children - Jessica Lee Shirah, Brian and Michael - are graduates of Warner Robins High. After retirement, she looks forward to having time to devote to her family. Mrs. Lee also plans to catch up on her reading, painting and traveling both in the United States and overseas. Tonia McDermott – Tonia McDermott graduated from Georgia College & State University with a degree in early childhood education in 1989. Later in her career, she obtained master’s and specialist degrees from Georgia Southwestern University. Her teaching career started in the Fall of 1989 at Miller Elementary. She moved to Thomas Elementary before joining the Quail Run Elementary faculty when the school opened in 1994. Mrs. McDermott finished her 31 years of service to the students of Houston County at Quail Run Elementary in 2020. She has two children, Michael Ragan and Maci McDermott. She has been happily married David McDermott, for 23 years. Mrs. McDermott has no immediate plans after retirement but would like to continue working with kids in some capacity. Mike McLaughlin – Mike McLaughlin was born in Shreveport, La., the eldest son of Bob and Jean McLaughlin. His family moved from the bayou to the mountains of Tennessee when he was eight years old and to the great state of Georgia when he was 14. Mr. McLaughlin is retiring after 22 years of service in education, with 15 years at Huntington Middle where he taught Georgia History and math and coached football, soccer and track. He also taught SEBD special education at Peach County High through Elam Alexander for three years and math at Rutland Middle in Bibb for three years. Prior to teaching, he served in the U.S. Army for 10 years as a test pilot and commander of a Research & Development Unit, which helped develop GPS. Afterward, he owned a ServiceMaster franchise, also for 10 years. Degrees he has earned are: BBA, North Georgia College; MS, American Technological University; MEd, Mercer University; and EdS, Nova Southeastern University. Mr. McLaughlin is married to Beth McLaughlin, who also works for the district. They have a blended family of five

children and two daughters-in-law – Kyle, Justin and Stephanie, Brett and Jennifer, Jessie, and Zachary - and one grandchild, precious angel Athena. In retirement, you will find him visiting family, especially his mama, outside chopping something down, or on the computer seeking a higher score on “Company of Heroes.” He looks forward to: tending his big garden; traveling to Europe and across the U.S.; flying with his brother, Patrick, over four states to check the pipeline; hiking to waterfalls in North Georgia; and napping as much as he wants. He loved his time at Huntington and will miss all the Hawks! Peggy Miller – CMSgt Peggy Miller is a 30-year Air Force veteran and native of Austin, Texas. She received her bachelor’s degree from Wayland Baptist University and a master’s degree from Webster University. Chief Miller began her second career as an aerospace science instructor in the Air Force Junior ROTC program at Warner Robins High before moving to Veterans High in 2010. Chief Miller looks forward to spending time with her family, especially her parents, traveling throughout the 50 states and cheering on the Dallas Cowboys!! Elaine Moncrief – Elaine Moncrief is a native of Warner Robins and a graduate of Warner Robins High. She has been a para-professional in the Houston County School District for 24 years. She spent three years at David Perdue Elementary and 21 years at Matt Arthur Elementary, all in kindergarten. Mrs. Moncrief spent many years storytelling, teaching and entertaining students with her variety of costumed characters. She looks forward to continuing the stories through the school and local library system. She also plans to spend time gardening, camping, crafting and acting through local theater, in addition to spending time with her family. Sabrina Moore – Mrs. Moore has lived in Warner Robins since 1964. She is a 1975 graduate of Warner Robins High. She received her associate’s degree from Macon State College in 2002. Mrs. Moore has been a paraprofessional for 31 years at Miller Elementary. She has worked most of the time in kindergarten, but also in physical education and first grade. Mrs. Moore and her husband, Kevin, have two children, daughter Marla and son Matthew. She is looking forward to traveling and having time to devote to her husband and family. She plans to catch up on reading and having free time to enjoy each day. Suzette Moraska – Suzette Moraska is a native of Baton Rouge, La. and a graduate of the University of South Carolina, where she received a bachelor’s degree in music education. She received her master’s in elementary education from The College of Charleston. She has been an educator for 34 years. Mrs. Moraska taught elementary music for over nine years in the Berkeley County School District in South Carolina. She has been a teacher in Houston County for over 24 years. Mrs. Moraska taught special needs preschool at both Pearl Stephens Elementary and Bonaire Elementary. She has been the music teacher at Bonaire Elementary for the past 21 years. Mrs. Moraska is a past Bonaire Elementary Teacher of the Year and was influential in helping Bonaire earn the Georgia School Bell Award for Integrating Music Across the Curriculum in 2014. Mrs. Moraska is a recipient of a service contribution award from the Georgia Music Educators Association for 30 Years of Service to Music Education. Mrs. Moraska looks forward to living near the beach and spending time with her husband and family. She plans to travel and enjoy outdoor activities like boating, playing golf and sitting on the beach watching the sunset. Roselaine Nelson – Roselaine Nelson is a Haitian-American who loves Haitian food. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Fort Valley State University, and an education specialist degree from Troy State University. Mrs. Nelson has taught for 29 years. She worked in Monroe and Peach counties before accepting a position with the Houston County School District. Mrs. Nelson is retiring from Huntington Middle after serving our district for 21 years. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Mack, and son Mack, Jr. She loves to exercise and listen to music,

especially oldies and gospel. Mrs. Nelson is praying for several beautiful grandchildren (her son is probably smiling from ear-to-ear right now). René Perry – René Perry is a native of Smyrna, Ga. and a graduate of Campbell High in Cobb County. After high school, she attended Kennesaw State. She has lived in Warner Robins for the last 24 years. She has been employed with the Houston County School District for 23 years, with the last 20 years at Quail Run Elementary as a kindergarten paraprofessional. Mrs. Perry looks forward to spending time with her precious family, spoiling her grandbabies, Jack and Ansley, and traveling. She is looking forward to this new chapter. Judy Peters – Judy Peters grew up in Cobb County just north of Atlanta. While at Kennesaw Jr. College, she played flag football, volleyball and took up racquetball. She received a bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University and worked at Crawford Long Hospital, where she met her bioengineer husband. She received a master’s degree from Kennesaw State University in educational leadership. She has been a teacher at Hilltop Elementary for 12 years, where she taught kindergarten, second and third grades. At “The Top,” she was the Science Olympiad Coach for all 12 years, plus for six years at Kemp Elementary. Mrs. Peters worked with the district’s science team of teachers to write curriculum to support elementary teachers with ideas and resources. She also received her science endorsement through the district. She has been a Georgia teacher for 21 years, plus, another six years at Life University in Marietta. Mrs. Peters loves spending time with her four beautiful grandchildren. She looks forward to spending more time with the love of her life, Rodney, on the sandy beaches of Destin and a few more visits with Mickey and friends at Disney World. She also plans to return to her creative side and first degree, Art Education, to enjoy drawing, painting and pottery. Denise Roby – Denise Roby was born and raised in Redkey, Ind. In 1983, she moved to Warner Robins. Mrs. Roby started her journey with the district in 1995 as a Pre-K paraprofessional. She worked in that position for two years and then as a kindergarten paraprofessional for 10 years at Parkwood Elementary. In 2007, she moved to Feagin Mill Middle as the ATS Clerk and has spent the last six years as the secretary. “Go Wolves!” After retirement, Mrs. Roby plans to spend more time with her family, especially her seven grandchildren. She also plans to travel and go fishing with her husband. Johnny Ross – Johnny Ross is a native of Union County, Fla. and graduate of Union County High. He received his Associate of Arts Degree from Lake City Community College. Mr. Ross served for four years in the U.S. Air Force, stationed at Hill AFB, Utah. After military service, he received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Georgia College. Mr. Ross taught for two years at the middle school level, before teaching in Bibb County at W.P. Jones Elementary for 10 years. For the last 16 years, Mr. Ross has taught physical education at Parkwood Elementary. He looks forward to spending his “golden years” serving in his church, woodworking, exercising, gardening and helping his two girls: Ellie, a rising sophomore at Veterans High, and Olivia, a freshman at the University of West Georgia. The one activity he wants to enjoy the most are long endless days with his wife, Cindy, as a sun collector on the beach! Reginald Sanks – Reginald Sanks was born in Warner Robins and attended Charles E. Thomas Elementary, Tabor Jr. High and Northside High. He received a bachelor’s degree in the Allied Health Sciences from Florida A & M University in Tallahassee and was a member of FAMU’s Marching 100. He received a master’s degree in middle grades education from Fort Valley State University. Dr. Sanks received a doctorate in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale. He taught math and science for five years and served as assistant principal for three years at Walter P. Jones Elementary in Bibb County. He has served Houston County as assistant principal at the following elementary schools: Lindsey, Northside, Parkwood and Westside. He bids good-bye to a total of 30

years of service in education. He looks forward to traveling and spending more time with family, especially his one-year old grandson, Cohen. Dr. Sanks also plans to get reacquainted with his music. Chris Smith – Chris Smith grew up in Warner Robins and is a Warner Robins High alumnus. He graduated from Berry College with a double major in chemistry and accounting. Before teaching, Mr. Smith spent 19 years as a chief financial officer in hospital work. He began teaching chemistry in Louisiana and has taught 17 years in Houston County at three different high schools. He is excited that he is retiring from his alma mater. Mr. Smith looks forward to woodworking, yard work, traveling with his wife, Doreen, and spending time with his nine grandchildren. Devin Smith – Devin Smith is a native of Macon, Ga. and a graduate of Central High. He received a bachelor’s degree in middle grades education from Georgia Southern University and his master’s degree from Piedmont College. The first 15 years of his career he taught in Bibb County at Appling and Weaver Middle Schools. He has been a teacher at Perry Middle for the past 14 years, where he taught eighth grade math and Georgia History. His final year at Perry Middle, he taught eighth grade honors history. Mr. Smith was rarely out sick, so was lucky enough to have earned more than enough sick leave to cover his 30th year of teaching. Mr. Smith looks forward to doing whatever he wants without having to schedule it around school time. His wife already has a list in the making. He also plans on fishing and woodworking in his free time and attending as many Georgia Southern games as possible. Doreen Smith – Doreen Smith grew up in Pompano Beach, Fla. She received her teaching degree from Berry College in Rome, Ga. Mrs. Smith taught English and reading for 24 years in middle schools in Rome and Franklin, La. before moving to Perry Middle in Houston County. She earned her Media and Technology Degree from Georgia College & State University. Since then, she has served as the media specialist at Warner Robins High for 13 years. After retiring, Mrs. Smith looks forward to traveling, spending more time with her nine grandchildren, reading and quilting. Shiri Starvetsky – Shiri Starvetsky began her teaching career in Georgia in 1989 when she and her husband, Leo, moved to Houston County from North Carolina. From 1989 to 2004, Mrs. Starvetsky taught middle school mathematics and coached softball, soccer, track and basketball in Bibb County. In 2004, she joined the faculty of Thomson Middle when the school opened. Mrs. Starvetsky has taught middle school mathematics and high school Algebra 1 for 17 years and enjoyed coaching softball and soccer. She received an M.Ed. from Mercer University in 1993 and Ed.S. from the University of Georgia in 2017. Her awards include Teacher of the Year in 2000 at Ballard Hudson and 2015 at Thomson Middle. Both of her daughters, Jennifer and Kellie, attended Thomson and are graduates of Northside High. Mrs. Starvetsky plans to travel with her husband as much as possible, relax by the pool and raise a soon-to-be “doodle.” Kim Stewart – Kim Stewart grew up in an Air Force family and was grateful when her family returned to Warner Robins in 1981 for their final assignment. She is a graduate of the district and has two degrees from Mercer University. She spent her first year teaching in the ninth-grade academy at Rumble, then transferred to Northside High where she has spent the last 29 years teaching a variety of regular, gifted and AP classes in the social studies department. She has also been a Reader for AP Human Geography since 2007. She coached cheerleading for five years, coached golf and sponsored the Junior Optimist Club for 20 years, sponsored every class except the ninth grade, sold merchandise for the football Booster Club for the past seven years, and has been the gifted lead teacher since the early 2000s. Major awards include 1995 NHS Teacher of the Year, 1996 Georgia Geography Teacher of the Year, 2019 Houston County Gifted Teacher of the Year, and 2020 STAR Teacher. Mrs. Stewart looks forward to devoting time to her family, especially her nieces, who swim competitively in Tennessee. She also plans to travel, work on her golf game, and continue to support Northside football.

Linda Stokes – Linda Stokes is a native of Valdosta and a graduate of Valdosta High, home of the Wildcats. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Fort Valley State University and a specialist from Columbus State University. Ms. Stokes began teaching in 1986 at Taylor County Comprehensive High with the Job Training Program Act, where she taught English to all high school grades. In 1987, she transferred to Monroe County Middle to teach English language arts to seventh graders. Later, she served as a counselor at Mary Persons High in Forsyth, Ga. In 2001, Ms. Stokes moved to the Houston County School District to teach English language arts to sixth graders at Perry Middle. Two years later, she transferred to Warner Robins Middle to teach seventh grade English language arts. Later, she moved first to teach seventh, then sixth grade social studies. Ms. Stokes taught for a total of 34 years, with 19 of those in Houston County. During her retirement, she looks forward to working closer with her loving church family. Ms. Stokes also plans to travel and spend time with her devoted family, especially her grandchildren, Ke’Van, BJ and Zion. Gladys Stubbs – Gladys Stubbs is a native of Centerville and the youngest of 17 siblings. She is a graduate of the Houston County School District. Mrs. Stubbs served the district’s Transportation Department as a bus driver for 10 years prior to becoming a route supervisor and coordinator for 19 years. She looks forward to devoting time to family, especially her grandchildren. Mrs. Stubbs is also looking forward to spending more time reading and writing during her retirement. Julie Teague – Julie Teague is a native of Hawkinsville and a graduate of Hawkinsville High. She received a bachelor’s degree from Georgia Southern University, a master’s degree from Georgia Southwestern University, and an add-on from Fort Valley State University. She has been a counselor at Warner Robins High for 14 years; previously she taught elementary school for 16 years. Mrs. Teague looks forward to spending more time with her two granddaughters, Lillie Kay and Charley. She also plans to spend as much time as she can on their boat at Jekyll Island. Johnnie Thomas – Johnnie Thomas was born and raised in Powerville, Ga. He began his career with the Houston County School District in 1970 in the lunchroom of Northside Middle. The following year, he helped open Russell Elementary, working as a custodian. Mr. Thomas retired in 2003, but came back to work for the district in 2006. Since his return, he has worked 13 additional years with the district and retires as a custodian for the Maintenance Department. Mr. Thomas and his beautiful wife, Estella, have been married 18 years. They have six children, 19 grandchildren and 16 great- grandchildren. Mr. Thomas enjoys helping others with their lawn and planting gardens. One of his hobbies is hauling scrap iron. In retirement, he hopes to fish more and continue to help others. Bonita Thomie – Bonita Thomie was born at Robins AFB and is a native of Macon. She is a graduate of Southwest High in Bibb County and she earned degrees at Macon State, Georgia College, and Georgia State College. Mrs. Thomie has been an educator for 42 years. She taught in Bibb County for 12 years before moving to the Houston County School District, where she has taught for 30 years. She is the founder and past director of the Houston Honor Choir which performed at the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) Conference and previous district opening sessions. Mrs. Thomie served as a certified Teacher Mentor, the State Georgia Music Educators Elementary Chair for two years and the GMEA district chair for eight years; presently she is the MIOSM GMEA State Chair. She has taught at Lindsey, Westside and Thomas Elementary Schools, Mid-Summer Macon at Wesleyan College, and served as an adjunct professor at Wesleyan College. She is retiring as the music teacher at Parkwood Elementary where she started a String Program with the help of a grant. Mrs. Thomie has been honored as Teacher of the Year at both Westside and Parkwood Elementary. During retirement, she plans to continue her full time Minister of Music position at the New Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Macon. Mrs. Thomie also plans to spend time with her husband and her dog, Ziggy. She looks forward to visiting her children, Marlon Thomie and Janita Hickenbotham, more often. Mrs. Thomie also plans to travel and go back to school for technology.

Maxalan Vickers, Sr. – Maxalan Vickers leaves an accomplished legacy evident from his 30-year career as an educator and coach. Coach Vickers spent all his career in education with the district. He was hired directly after graduation from Valdosta State University and spent the first 15 years of his career at Perry High. He served as the Head Girls Basketball Coach for eight years, and his teams qualified for five state tournaments. Coach Vickers also served as the Head Boys Track Coach. As a result of his efforts and region team championships, Coach Vickers was honored three times as Region Coach of the Year. After Perry High, he transferred to Thomson Middle where he has spent the remainder of his teaching and coaching career. At Thomson, he coached seventh grade football, eighth grade boys’ basketball and track, and his teams won a total of 19 county championships. Kelly Voss – Kelly Voss is a native of Warner Robins and a graduate of Warner Robins High. She received a bachelor's degree from Valdosta State University, and her master's and specialist degrees from Georgia Southwestern. She has been a teacher at Kings Chapel Elementary for 20 years and also taught at Perry Middle for 11 years. Mrs. Voss taught fifth grade math and science for most of her career. After retirement, she looks forward to spending time with her family, cooking, traveling and supporting her favorite football team. Mrs. Voss also plans to spend time volunteering and pursuing her love of music. Vicki Walker – Vicki Walker is a native of Macon and graduate of Mount de Sales Academy. Teaching was a second career for Mrs. Walker. She received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Mercer University and worked for Belk Matthew for more than 16 years before going back to school to get her bachelor’s degree from Georgia College & State University. She received a Master of Early Childhood Education from Leslie University. She was a teacher in Bibb County at Rosa Taylor Elementary for 18 years. Mrs. Walker has been at teacher at Tucker Elementary for the past three years. She looks forward to having time with her family and is planning to travel to many places with her husband. Ruth White – Ruth White was born in Vancouver, Canada. She married her husband, Gene, and began her teaching career in California. When they became parents, Mrs. White focused her teaching at home with their two sons, Ian and Isaac. The White family eventually settled in Bonaire, where Mrs. White resumed her teaching career at Bonaire Elementary. Later she moved to Hilltop Elementary. Relationships with students and their families and the loving bonds with school community members have been the most treasured blessings of Mrs. White’s 12 years with the district. She is looking forward to continuing joy in relationships and in reading, as a librarian at Westfield School. Mrs. White most enjoys togetherness with beloved family members. Mary Williams – Mary Williams is a native of Georgia. She is a proud graduate of Fort Valley State University (FVSU) where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences. While studying at FVSU, Mary served as an assistant CASA Advocate for at risk children with the Rainbow House of Warner Robins. She also completed an internship with the Houston County Department of Family and Children Services. After graduating college, Mrs. Williams taught Pre-K for three years in Bibb before starting work in Houston as a substitute teacher. During that time, she learned of a summer program for exceptional students. She was hired for summers with Camp-Can-Do, where she found her calling and her blessing. She has worked as a special needs para-educator at Lindsey Elementary for the past 18 years and has enjoyed every special minute. She was voted Para of the Year twice by her co-workers and she was selected Support Staff of the Year in 2017 for the Council of Exceptional Children. She is looking forward to retirement; spending more time with her husband of 24 years, retired firefighter, W.R. Williams. Together, they live in Warner Robins and have a blended family of 5 children and 13 beautiful grandchildren who she adores and cannot wait to enjoy time with in the near future. Mrs. Williams loves God and is active in her church community, attending Southside Pleasant Hill Campus. During her retirement, she would like to add to her list of places she has

traveled, which includes living in Vincenza, Italy and seeing Frankfurt, Germany. She has cruised several times to the Bahamas and Cozumel. In the U.S., she has visited 30 of the 50 states, with many visits up and down the east coast. Mrs. Williams is looking forward to this new chapter in her life. Joan Yandles – Dr. Joan Yandles, a native of Johnson City, Tenn., moved to Warner Robins in 1984. She received a bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Georgia College & State University and a doctorate in education from Walden University. Dr. Yandles began her career as a middle school teacher; she taught at Perry Middle for two years and Feagin Mill Middle for three years. Leaving the classroom behind, she spent two years supporting teachers as a school technology coordinator at Kings Chapel Elementary, Tucker Elementary, and Matt Arthur Elementary. Next, Dr. Yandles spent three years as the media specialist at Matt Arthur Elementary. Finally, she returned to the classroom at Matt Arthur Elementary, where she has spent the past 16 years teaching fourth and fifth grade. In retirement, Dr. Yandles looks forward to moving back to Tennessee to spend time with her family and getting reacquainted with her hometown. An amazing employee is hard to find, difficult to part with, and impossible to forget. May retirement bring you greater personal fulfillment than you ever imagined.

Premier Sponsors Many thanks to our sponsors who support all districtwide events! We appreciate their continued support. May many blessings be ahead for our retirees!