Hastings retires after 27 years

GRAVETTE — About 75 colleagues, several school board members and friends attended a reception Wednesday afternoon honoring Jo Ellen Hastings upon her retirement from the Gravette school system.

Hastings, who is a Gravette High School graduate, is retiring after 27 years service to the school.She has served as high school principal since 1994.

A short program included a slide show of her and her efforts on behalf of education, recalling memories of those years of service.

Several personal messages were read, some humorous and all congratulatory and appreciative of the influence and work toward education of students.

She spoke briefly, mainlyexpressing her thanks to all for making the years happy and productive and for the friendships that have developed. She hinted she will “still be around,” indicating her continuing support.

School board president Dan Yates presented Hastings a large framed print of the GHS campus which has been such a part of her life.

Refreshments of cake and punch were served.