Websters defines retire as "to withdraw from one's position or occupation : conclude one's working or professional career" and that is what thirty-two local Bladen educators did on June 12.
With the smell of saltwater, suntan lotion, and fresh-air lingering, Bladen County celebrated its 2012 retirees with a luncheon and plaque presentation. Of those in attendance, the total number of years of service to Bladen County Schools was four hundred and eighty-nine. With fourteen retirees unable to attend the luncheon, that number is likely to reach eight hundred years total. You simply cannot replace that many years of experience, knowledge, and maturity. Their leadership will be missed.
The list of retirees included teachers, custodians, teacher assistants, maintenance personnel, transportation personnel, media coordinators, district office personnel, adminstrators, principal, athletics, and guidance.
Retirees in attendance were Brenda Brisson, ETP, Ray Crabtree, ETM, Nettie Cromartie, BBP, Janice Davis, DP, Lisa Dove, BBM, Deborah Hester, DP, Carolyn Holder, DO, Debra Kinlaw, ETP, Rebecca Martin, BBP, Barbara McKoy, ETP, Carolyn Melvin, ETP, Quessie Munn, THM, Mitchell Purdie, BBM, Lottie Ruffin, BBP, Janice Smith, ETP, Victoria Taylor, DP, Rita Ward, BBP, and Cynthia White, BBP.
Retirees unable to attend were Janie Allen, ETM, Rosemary Beatty, EBHS, Roland Brisson, Transportation, Wanda Dowless, BBP, Lennon Fisher, EBHS, Mary Hockett, BBP, Deborah Kelly, BBM, Dr. Marilyn Lee, DO, Charles McRae, ETP, Shelda Parker, BLP, Wayne Pate, Transportation, Aurelya Randle, ETM, Billy Storms, WBHS, and James Tatum, Maintenance.
