DECATUR -- The Decatur School District recently honored five teachers for their commitment to excellence in education and the care and wellbeing of students under their watch.
The school district honored retiring teacher Kathy Pannell and staff member Sue Verser during a faculty and staff get together in the community room at Decatur city hall May 16.
"Sue and Kathy have been the heart and soul of this district for 25-30 years," said Jeff Gravette, school superintendent. "Everybody knows them, everybody loves them."
Sue Verser began working for the Decatur school in 1986. She has greeted students, parents and other visitors to Decatur Northside Elementary as the school secretary. But, more than that, Verser was involved in numerous fundraisers. She helped to raise thousands of dollars for new equipment for Northside's playground. In addition, Verser raised money for numerous school field trips.
Along with fellow staff member Jane McAdoo, she started the Santa Shop which brought the spirit of the Christmas holiday to countless families that would have otherwise not had a holiday.
Her 30 years has earned her the unofficial title of school historian, a position she takes very seriously.
Retiring with Verser this year is Kathy Pannell, who spent the last 14 years as a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher for Decatur High. Alongside her FACS duties, Pannell sponsored the high school Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) chapter and the 2016 senior class.
In her last graduation ceremony before her retirement, Pannell gathered the 31 members of the senior class in her room, making sure their gowns were clean and pressed, hats were on straight and they had their cords in order.
"They have worked so hard and we wish them only the best in a long and joyous retirement," Gravette said.
The second half of the program was devoted to the 2016 Teacher of the Year awards. This award is given to the teachers who go above and beyond to ensure that their students get the best education possible while having fun in the process.
The teacher of the year for Decatur Northside Elementary is Bobbi Turner, one of the fifth grade teachers. This will be her last year at Northside. When the fifth grade class moves to Decatur Middle School next year, she will go with it.
For Decatur Middle School, the teacher of the year award went to Jessica Hartman. Hartman teaches science and is one of the volleyball coaches for Decatur High School.
The Decatur High School teacher of the year went to the other half of the volleyball coaching team and one of the team sponsors, Jessi Castagna. She is also the school librarian and yearbook sponsor.
General News on 05/25/2016