Jefferson County JVS honors staff for years of service

Faculty and staff members with a combined 192 years in education were recognized during a special luncheon May 27 at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School.

Eight employees were honored during the festivities, which were held in the school commons and coincided with the last day of classes at the Bloomingdale campus. Principal/Supervisor Heather Hoover thanked attendees and praised the honorees, including three retirees and five staff members, for their contributions.

“I want to thank everybody for a great year,” Hoover said. “It’s been a year to learn and grow.”

Superintendent Ted Gorman also expressed appreciation during his first year leading the district. He thanked Hoover for her work and welcomed Andy Long, who was not in attendance but will return as dean of students for the upcoming school year.

“We had 23 candidates and interviewed nine, and I want to welcome him back to the team,” Gorman said, adding Long was a perfect fit for the school. “I appreciate the work you have done over the last year.”

Gorman presented awards to technology coordinator Ron Peach and multimedia and design instructor Cody LaRue for 10 years of service, Transition to Work program aide Dawn Pugh for 15 years, math teacher Dale Palmer for 20 years and math teacher Tom Horne for 35 years.

The district also recognized retirees Shellie Henderson, Todd Parker and Shawna Myers. Henderson, a guidance counselor, retired in April after 35 years in education. Parker, a welding instructor, retired this month after 32 years in education. Both were absent from the event.

Myers, a math teacher, retired at the end of May after nearly a decade at the JVS and was presented with a rocking chair during the ceremony.

“We are going to miss you and the new person has some big shoes to fill,” Gorman told her.

Myers said she joined the JVS after previously teaching at Buckeye Local Schools.

“I did tours and really liked it,” Myers said. “When I heard there was an opening, I applied. I love the JVS and it’s just a special place with special people. I can’t say enough about it.”

Myers spent 35 years in education, including 26 years between Indian Creek and Buckeye Local schools and nine years at the JVS. She said she now looks forward to spending more time with her family, including several grandchildren and another expected this summer.