Newly- retired teachers honored with ceremony

 SHEPHERDSVILLE - Nearly two dozen educators were recognized at the annual Teacher Retirement Ceremony last month at the Shepherdsville First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.

Some of the retired teachers gathered for a special ceremony at the First Baptist Church of Shepherdsville.

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Bullitt Lick principal Johnda Conley (center) is honored by local officials.

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The ceremony was sponsored by the Bullitt County Retired Teachers Association and Bullitt County Public Schools.

“This is a time to honor individuals for their service to students,” said ceremony coordinator Thelma Yaeger.

Retirees enjoyed the music of Hebron Middle School’s jazz band under the direction of Wendy Davidson. Student musicians welcomed guests as they entered the fellowship hall.

After a delicious dinner, guests heard remarks from keynote speaker Kentucky Retired Teachers Association President Melanie Wood.

Certificates of Recognition were presented by 49th District Representative Linda Belcher and Bullitt County Judge/Executive Melanie Roberts.

Bullitt County Public School Superintendent Keith Davis presented engraved brass retirement bells to each honoree.

BCRTA President Janet Richardson presented retirees with gifts as the program concluded. Principals introduced their respective retirees and praised their performance in the classroom.

The 2011 certified retirees are:

*David Simpson and Lewis Clark of Bernheim Middle School

*Lucina Knoer and Pamela Bliven of Brooks Elementary School

*Judy Chandler, Pam Mounce-Glaze and Valerie Horn of Bullitt East High School

*Johnda Conley of Bullitt Lick Middle School

*Mary Lou Neel of Cedar Grove Elementary School

*Nan Wilkins of the Central Office

*James Boswell of the Community Education Center

*Marjorie Grady-Williams of Crossroads Elementary School

*Kevin Vachon and Rebecca Keller of Eastside Middle School

*Donna Rawlings of Freedom Elementary School

*Donetta Sweis of Lebanon Junction Elementary School

*Robert Korwatch of Mount Washington Middle School

*Bill Robinette, Kirby Phillips, Phyllis Niece, and Rebecca Cheek of North Bullitt High School

*Beth Vachon and Renee Stoke of Old Elementary School.

Bullitt County Public Schools has nearly 13,000 students in grades kindergarten through 12. There are 25 school facilities, a certified staff of over 850 and a classified staff of over 850 working every school day to make the district the leader in educational excellence.