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2024 Retirement Ceremony Tuesday, May 14, 2024 Georgia Southern - Armstrong Center 13040 Abercorn Street Savannah, GA 31419

Savannah-Chatham County Public School System Retirement Ceremony 2024 Doors Open at 5:00 PM | Retirement Program 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Please help yourself to refreshments Musical Selection Savannah Arts Academy Orchestra Presentation of Colors Jenkins High School JROTC National Anthem Omarrieona Grant Beach High School Welcome S. Denise Watts, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools Remarks Roger Moss Board President Presentation of Awards Kurt Hetager Chief Public Affairs & Administrative Services Officer Ramon Ray Chief Human Resources Officer Closing Ramon Ray Chief Human Resources Officer

A Message from our Superintendent Colleagues, Please accept my best wishes on your long-awaited and richly deserved retirement from the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System. I applaud your years of service and achievement with our school district. I am delighted that you have completed your tenure with dedication and grace. I trust your career with us was an enriching experience of working with students, colleagues, and families in our community. All current district employees can be inspired by your loyal service and efforts to make a positive difference in the lives of others. What I believe matters most is that your retirement ends in an era we will never see again. The school system and the field of education have changed dramatically over the years, and you have been an integral part of that change. Much of our success can be attributed to the efforts of employees like you who have gone beyond in making sure our district always moves forward. May you retire knowing that you made a remarkable contribution and touched the lives of our amazing children and colleagues in boundless ways. Congratulations on your retirement and the new possibilities that await you! We wish you prosperity and good health in the years ahead. S. Denise Watts, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

Special Thanks The Division of Human Resources The Board of Public Education Mr. Roger Moss, Jr. Board President Mrs. Denise R. Grabowski District One; Vice President Mr. Paul E. Smith District Five; Vice President Pro-Tempore Dr. Dionne Hoskins-Brown District Two Dr. David Bringman District Six Mrs. Cornelia H. Hall District Three Mr. Michael Johnson District Seven Mr. Shawn A. Kachmar District Four Dr. Tonia Howard-Hall District Eight Other Key Contributors S. Denise Watts, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools Chatham Retired Educators Association Dr. Brenda Roberts Omarrieona Grant Student, Beach High School Soloist – National Anthem Craig Daughtry, Principal Savannah Arts Academy Orchestra Savannah Arts Academy Dr. Anna Belue, Principal Kevin Pearce, Director of Orchestras Naval JROTC, Color Guard Unit Jenkins High Heather Handy, Principal Keith Willoughby, Instructor

Savannah-Chatham County Public School System 2023-2024 Retirees Academic Affairs Mary Kaye Aikens Bernadette Ball-Oliver Renee Bryant-Evans Martha Cribbs Mark Linsky Horace Magwood Lesley Taylor Bloomingdale Elementary Laura Worthy Building Bridges Middle William Cummings Butler Elementary Latonya Walton Coastal GA Comp Academy Cynthia Campbell Coastal Middle Lori Miller Michelle Santiago Allison Schuster-Jones CTAE Phyllis Creech Data and Information James Girardeau DeRenne Middle Tavares Brown Early College Rhonda Myrick Betty Robinson Ellis K-8 Laura Filson Tanya Melville Jelena Pavlovic Elizabeth Summerell Esther F. Garrison School of Arts Janet Cuttray John Tisbert Exceptional Children Susan Bryant Juliet Hardeman Gadsden Elementary Helene Byrd Lisa Jones Elaine Luckett Jacquline White Georgetown K-8 Yvonne Love Godley Station K-8 Anthony Bostick Cynthia Hopkins April Kanner Shirley Sapp Gould Elementary Patti Benton Glenda James Anna Walker Groves High Douglas Hancock Heard Elementary Judith Wright Hesse K-8 Myra Chisholm J. Regina DeWalt Ivette Foreit William Woodrum Hodge Elementary Dianne Baxter

Howard Elementary Kelly Blackston-Cail Mary Hannan Mina Keshavarz Mary Newman Tammy Wheeler Islands High Karl Demasi Isle of Hope K-8 Brenda Alston Karen Conner Suzanna Shiver Jenkins High Heather Handy Benjamin Hopkins Lorelei Howard Thomas Maty Johnson High Jason Buelterman Brenda Riley Largo-Tibet Elementary Douglas Povie Maintenance and Operations Benjamin Foster Marshpoint Elementary Cheryl Ducey Dana Garecht Kathleen Waters New Hampstead K-8 Terri Alotto Marvin Palmer Oatland Island Pamela Hewatt Oglethorpe Charter School Cynthia Edwards Andrea Fenning Maquitha Page Percival Williams Pooler Elementary Kelley Abraham Barbara Johnson Luz Murillo Diaz Pulaski Elementary Dwayne Locke Vivian Mack Deanna NG Sharon Tary Rice Creek K-8 Terry Harper Savannah-Chatham E-Learning Academy Moselle Carroll Shuman Elementary Jonell Holmes Southwest Elementary Nancy Skibicki Southwest Middle Mary Sams Transportation Bernell Fudge Charles Smith Tybee Island Maritime Academy Stephanie Frame West Chatham Elementary Abradella Sims Mary Thaxton Valerie Urretta Helene Williams Mitchell William West Chatham Middle Tselane Christian-McMillan Jacquelyn Cofield Rose Williams White Bluff Elementary Patrick Nelson

Windsor Forest Elementary Jacqueline Scott Twila Strode Windsor Forest High Michelle Heyward

Reflections, Administrators Mrs. Bernadette Ball-Oliver Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, Academic Affairs Mrs. Bernadette Ball-Oliver has served our district in many capacities, including teacher, Title I Specialist, assistant principal, principal, Executive Director, Associate Superintendent – Secondary Schools, and Deputy Superintendent – Teaching and Learning. Ms. Ball-Oliver made many systemic changes which positively impacted the students and staff of Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools. Congratulations! Mrs. M. Kaye Aikens Associate Superintendent, Academic Affairs Mrs. Kaye Aikens served the district in various capacities throughout her career, including teacher, mentor, coach, assistant principal, principal, and Director of Professional Learning before serving as Associate Superintendent – Elementary K-8. Mrs. Aikens leadership was instrumental in having several schools removed from the state improvement list. She will be missed. Congratulations! Dr. Renee Bryant-Evans Senior Officer of Teaching Learning and Leadership Development, Academic Affairs Dr. Renee Bryant-Evans was a dedicated employee with the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System for many years. Throughout the years, Ms. Bryant-Evans dedication and commitment to excellence was recognized throughout her career. Best wishes for a happy retirement. Dr. Lesley Taylor Director-School Improvement Governance, Academic Affairs Dr. Lesley Taylor began her career as a special education paraprofessional and later became a teacher. Dr. Taylor also served as an academic coach, school improvement specialist, teacher specialist, assistant principal, and principal. Dr. Taylor completed the last several years of her 30 total years in public education as the Director of School Success. Mrs. Heather Handy Principal, Jenkins High School Mrs. Handy leaves a remarkable legacy of leading Jenkins HS Warriors to earn STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Program Certification, robust Advanced Placement Program earning AP (Advanced Placement) Access and Support, AP STEM, and AP STEM Honor School for consecutive years. Mrs. Handy established an exemplary school culture and climate, and her team captured it best, by stating she is the Principal of Principles! Mrs. Glenda James Principal, Gould Elementary Mrs. James had an excellent rapport with the students and staff. Mrs. James' extraordinary leadership skills were pivotal to her success. She will be remembered as a leader who believed in building good relationships with her parents and the community surrounding her school. The district thanks Mrs. James for her service and wishes her well in retirement.

Mrs. Tanya Melville Principal, Charles Ellis Montessori Academy Mrs. Tanya Melville was educated in Ireland and relocated to the United States many years ago. She has over 30 years of experience as an educator. As a Montessorian leader, she has worked for the last 15 years in the Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools. The district thanks Ms. Melville for her service and wishes her well in retirement. Mrs. Allison Schuster-Jones Principal, Coastal Middle School Mrs. Allison Schuster-Jones served as an exemplary principal at Coastal Middle School for 9 years. She led CMS to become an AMLE School of Distinction in 2022 and CMS was recognized as a re-designated National Lighthouse School to Watch through 2024. Her CMS Family refer to her as “mother” of the school, due to the robust relationships established. Best wishes for a wonderful retirement! Reflections, Staff Kelley Abraham ESOL Teacher, Pooler Elementary Ms. Abraham was a dedicated employee with the district for many years. She was a pleasure to work with and will be missed by coworkers and supervisors. Congratulations and best wishes on your retirement. Terri Alotto Special Education Teacher, New Hampstead High During her years as a special education teacher, Dr. Alotto has positively impacted the lives of many students. She provided academic and emotional support when needed. Dr. Alotto dedicated her career to making her students' lives better. Enjoy retirement. Brenda Alston Library Media and Technology Specialist, Isle of Hope K-8 Mrs. Alston was the "go-to" person for all things related to print and digital media. Her caring and positive attitude left a lasting impression on students, staff, and families at Isle of Hope School. Congratulations on your retirement. May your next chapter be filled with all the joy and pleasure you have given so many. Dianne Baxter SNP Assistant, Hodge Elementary Ms. Baxter was a dependable worker who did her best to provide nutritious meals for staff and students. She was kind to everyone she encountered and was always willing to assist anyone in need. The Savannah Chatham County Public School System thanks Ms. Baxter for her years of service and wishes her well in retirement. Kelly Blackston-Cail Gifted Teacher, Howard Elementary Ms. Blackston-Cail served in the gifted education department at Howard for many years. She did an amazing job carrying out her duties and responsibilities as a professional educator. Ms. Blackston-Cail was a pleasure to work with and will be missed by coworkers and supervisors. Anthony Bostick Head Custodian, Godley Station K-8 Mr. Bostick spent many years serving the needs of the students in our school district. Mr. Bostick excelled in his position and worked hard to make sure our facility was clean. The Godley Station family will miss Mr. Bostick and wish him well in retirement.

Tavares Brown Science Teacher, DeRenne Middle Mr. Brown was a dedicated employee whose innovative spirit served him well. The district appreciates his dedication to our students. Mr. Brown was a pleasure to work with and will be missed by coworkers and supervisors. The DeRenne family will miss Mr. Brown and wish him well in retirement. Susan Bryant Special Education Program Manager, Exceptional Children As a leader for the Department for Specialized Instruction, Ms. Bryant focused on coordinating the appropriate support to address the needs of the whole student to ensure they reached their full potential as learners. Ms. Bryant also serves as the National Association of School Psychologists and the Georgia Association for School Psychologists. Enjoy retirement. Jason Buelterman Academies Coordinator, Johnson High Mr. Buelterman was a significant support to his students, school staff, and parents. He was very caring and very supportive of his students. The district appreciates Mr. Buelterman‘s dedication to the students of SCCPSS and wishes him well in retirement. Helene Byrd Student Information Specialist, Gadsden Elementary Throughout Ms. Byrd's career, she touched the lives of countless students, colleagues, and community members. Ms. Byrd served the Gadsden community tirelessly. Her enthusiasm and kindness had a lasting impact that extended beyond the walls of the building. Congratulations on your retirement, Ms. Byrd. Cynthia Campbell Special Education Teacher, Coastal GA Comprehensive Academy Ms. Campbell was the pillar of our school. For over 30 years she made a positive impact on our special education population and provided much needed support. Ms. Campbell’s dedication to her students was unmatched. Ms. Campbell has left a lasting impression on our program. Congratulations! Moselle Carroll Special Education Teacher, Savannah-Chatham E-Learning Academy Ms. Carroll was a leader and subject area expert for the district. She enjoyed working with others and always went above and beyond to help those in need. We will miss her contribution to our school. Congratulations Ms. Carroll. Tselane Christian-McMillan School Nurse, West Chatham Middle Ms. Christian-McMillan was a dedicated employee with Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools. The district appreciates her commitment to our students. Ms. Christian-McMillan was a pleasure to work with and will be missed by coworkers and supervisors. Enjoy retirement. Myra Chisholm Gifted Elementary Teacher, Hesse K-8 Mrs. Chisholm was a hard worker who was passionate about her students and her school. Mrs. Chisholm was a positive person and a great example of a team player. Hesse K8 will miss Mrs. Chisholm dearly!! Congratulations. Jacquelyn Cofield Mathematics Teacher, West Chatham Middle Ms. Cofield was renowned for her hard-charging approach, balancing tough love with unwavering support for her students. She wore many hats - from cheer coach to yearbook advisor to team leader - leaving an indelible mark on the school community. Ms. Cofield leaves a legacy of dedication, enthusiasm, and Wildcat Pride that will be cherished for years to come.

Karen Conner Elementary Teacher, Isle of Hope K-8 Ms. Conner was a dedicated employee with the district for many years. Ms. Conner was an advocate for children and worked hard to provide students with the best resources available. The district will miss her drive and determination. Enjoy retirement. Phyllis Creech MSAP Math Coach, CTAE Ms. Creech served as the Magnet School Assistance Program (MSAP) Math Coach at Hubert Middle School. Ms. Creech focused on the development of curriculum tools and took pride in implementing effective research-based instructional practices. Congratulations Ms. Creech. Martha Cribbs Teacher Specialist, Academic Affairs Mrs. Cribbs worked in education for 35+ years in Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida. She was a dedicated teacher, academic coach, and district ELA/Reading Teacher Specialist. Mrs. Cribbs worked diligently to ensure teachers received the knowledge and skills to be effective teachers, and to do so, she was a lead learner! Congratulations Mrs. Cribbs. William Cummings Social Studies Teacher, Building Bridges Middle Dr. Cummings was a consummate professional who dedicated his life to teaching and learning. Although he is retiring, we know Dr. Cummings will find ways to continue pursuing his passion for teaching and learning. The Building Bridges Middle School family will miss Dr. Cummings and wish him well in retirement. Janet Cuttray Elementary Teacher, Esther F. Garrison School for the Arts Ms. Cuttray served at Garrison School for the Arts since its inception as an art school. She poured into the hearts of countless students in 1st -4th grades for almost 35 years. Ms. Cuttray began her career as a paraprofessional and found her true calling as a teacher. Ms. Cuttray took pride in growing student readers and was the ultimate team player! Karl Demasi Health/PE Teacher, Islands High Coach Demasi was a dedicated teacher and coach. He was passionate about his work and executed tasks with a high level of enthusiasm. Coach Demasi had a positive influence on hundreds of students and athletes during his time as an educator and coach. Coach Demasi will be remembered for his dedication, integrity, and for his many contributions to our school. J. Regina DeWalt Gifted Elementary Teacher, Hesse K-8 Mrs. Dewalt will always be remembered for her professional demeanor, kind heart and smile. The district appreciates Mrs. DeWalt’s dedication to our students and wishes her well in retirement. Hesse K8 will miss her dearly! Cheryl Ducey Speech Language Pathologist, Marshpoint Elementary Mrs. Ducey has served as our Speech Language Pathologist for the last ten years. She was a remarkable educator and made a lasting impact on countless students over the years. Marshpoint is grateful for Ms. Ducey’s hard work and dedication to our school and students. Congratulations Mrs. Ducey. Cynthia Edwards Administrative Secretary, Oglethorpe Charter School Ms. Edwards was a valuable staff member and asset to the success of Oglethorpe for many years. She was dedicated to her role and always went above and beyond in her duties. Ms. Edwards was an important member of our office staff who ensured our school ran smoothly. The Oglethorpe family will miss Ms. Edwards and wish her well in retirement.

Andrea Fenning Health/PE Teacher, Oglethorpe Charter School Ms. Fenning was dedicated to excellence and earned the distinction of leading the girls’ basketball team to victory and the coveted honor as city champions. She was a great role model for all students. Ms. Fenning was kind to all she encountered. Ms. Fenning will be missed by the Oglethorpe family. Laura Filson Media Clerk, Charles Ellis Montessori Academy Ms. Filson has served the Charles Ellis Montessori community for 36 years. During her tenure at Charles Ellis Montessori Academy, she has been instrumental in implementing Montessori curriculum and in supporting the development of teachers and colleagues on their Montessori journey. We will miss her exuberance in the daily activities at the school. Congratulations! Ivette Foreit Spanish Teacher, Hesse K-8 Mrs. Foreit will be remembered for her passion and dedication to the school. She served the students at Hesse for many years. She will be remembered for her ability to connect with students from all cultures. Congratulations Mrs. Foreit, we will miss you! Benjamin Foster Head Custodian, Maintenance and Operations Mr. Foster’s expertise and craftmanship will be missed. Mr. Foster was a pleasure to work with. The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System thanks Mr. Foster for his many years of service and wishes him well in retirement. Congratulations Mr. Foster. Stephanie Frame Elementary Teacher, Tybee Island Maritime Academy Ms. Frame was a cornerstone of the Tybee Island Maritime Academy community and Tybee Island at large. Her leadership, expertise, and unwavering dedication to student success have left an indelible mark on the school. Ms. Frame was not only a highly respected educator but a trusted mentor and advocate for students and colleagues alike. Bernell Fudge Head Custodian, Transportation Mr. Fudge was the Head Custodian of Transportation. As a dedicated employee he was willing to provide a service above and beyond the normal call of duty. The Savannah Chatham County Public School System thanks Mr. Fudge for his many years of service and wishes him well in retirement. Dana Garecht Paraprofessional, Marshpoint Elementary Mrs. Garecht’s positivity and love for her students showed every day. She greeted each student with a smile and was always willing to do whatever was needed to ensure her student success. Mrs. Garecht was a pleasure to work with and will be missed by coworkers and supervisors. James Girardeau Senior Data Center Operations Specialist, Data and Accountability Mr. Girardeau was pivotal in many projects within the division to include implementing and setting up new software, system troubleshooting, and system upgrade assistance. He will be remembered for his wittiness and conversations about astronomy, history, and his family. Congratulations and best wishes on your retirement. Douglas Hancock Transition Specialist, Robert W. Groves High Chief Douglas Hancock was an invaluable support to Robert W. Groves High School, not only as a Transition Specialist, but as an avid supporter of our students. Throughout his tenure, he was a strong supporter of JROTC and built the wooden rifle team targets that exist today. Chief Hancock will be sorely missed.

Mary Hannan Teacher, May Howard Elementary Ms. Hannan was one of the most amazing advocates for the teaching profession. She was dedicated and hard-working. Ms. Hannan taught the children to love and respect their environment through the clubs she created and through the BEEHIVE project she started. She loved educating children and will be missed in the classroom. Juliet Hardeman Family and Community Liaison, Exceptional Children Ms. Hardeman had a fierce passion for supporting students with disabilities and their families. She was passionate about preparing students with disabilities for life outside school. Ms. Hardeman was a true problem solver and collaborator, who was always able to find a resolution for the most difficult situations. Enjoy retirement. Terry Harper Language Arts Teacher, Rice Creek School Ms. Harper was dedicated to the district for many years. The district appreciates Ms. Harper’s commitment to our students. Ms. Harper was a pleasure to work with and will be missed by coworkers and supervisors. Congratulations Ms. Harper. Pamela Hewatt Environmental Education Naturalist, Oatland Island Wildlife Center Ms. Hewatt’s talent and skills will be greatly missed. Over the 25+ years she worked at Oatland; she made an indelible mark! Ms. Hewatt was the resident artist, graphic designer, and summer camp coordinator. The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System thanks Ms. Hewatt for her many years of service and wishes her well in retirement. Michelle Heyward SNP Assistant, Windsor Forest High Ms. Heyward will be remembered for her smile, and her comforting spirit. She was always dancing and happy about coming to work. Ms. Heyward always made sure we knew that work was her peace of mind. The district is appreciative of Ms. Heyward’s dedication and wishes her well in retirement. Congratulations Ms. Heyward. Jonell Holmes School Nurse, Shuman Elementary Ms. Holmes has left a legacy of being nurturing and providing quality care to our students. She was dedicated to helping those in need and was a compassionate nurse that went beyond making a difference in the lives of others. Ms. Holmes committed her life to taking care of students. Benjamin Hopkins Special Education Teacher, Jenkins High Mr. Hopkins was a dedicated employee with Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools for many years. Mr. Hopkins will be missed for his kind nature and gentle demeanor. We wish him many years of happiness and relaxation in retirement. All the best! Cynthia Hopkins Custodial Worker, Godley Station K-8 Mrs. Hopkins was a dedicated staff member at Godley Station since the school opened. Her laughter and her willingness to help in any situation will be sorely missed. Mrs. Hopkins was an employee who cared about her work and the students whose lives she touched. We will miss Mrs. Hopkins and we wish her all the best in retirement. Lorelei Howard CTAE-Business Education Teacher, Jenkins High Mrs. Howard will be remembered most for her contagious smile and love for her students. She received numerous letters, emails, and visitors from former students highlighting how her class and teaching made an impact on them. Ms. Howard took pride in hearing from students who returned to share the wonderful things they were doing in society. Mrs. Howard will be missed.

Barbara Johnson Paraprofessional, Pooler Elementary Ms. Johnson displayed a positive and pleasant demeanor each day with students, parents, and staff. The district appreciates Ms. Johnson’s dedication to our students. She was a pleasure to work with and will be missed by coworkers and supervisors. Lisa Jones Paraprofessional, Gadsden Elementary Ms. Jones was a dedicated employee with the district for many years. The district appreciates her dedication to our students. Ms. Jones was a pleasure to work with and will be missed by coworkers and supervisors. Congratulations Ms. Jones. April Kanner Special Education Teacher, Godley Station K-8 Ms. Kanner worked with students who had emotional and behavioral disorders, and autism. Her work in these areas has left a lasting mark on our community. As a dedicated special education educator, Ms. Kanner’s influence on her students was life changing. Enjoy retirement, Ms. Kanner. Mina Keshavarz Paraprofessional, May Howard Elementary Ms. Keshavarz was a caring and compassionate employee with the Savannah Chatham County Public School System for many years. The district appreciated her dedication to our students. Ms. Keshavarz was a pleasure to work with and will be missed by her May Howard family. Mark Linsky Teacher Specialist, Academic Affairs Dr. Linsky was devoted to his craft and operated with excellence. He was passionate about helping others and problem solving. The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System Thanks Dr. Linsky for his many years of service and wishes him well in retirement. Dwayne Locke Head Custodian, Pulaski Elementary Mr. Locke worked with the district for over 37 years supporting the needs of students and faculty as head custodian. The district is appreciative of Mr. Locke’s dedication to the students of SCCPSS and wishes him well in retirement. Mr. Locke will truly be missed by the Pulaski Elementary School family. Elaine Luckett Paraprofessional, Gadsden Elementary Mrs. Luckett was dedicated to her family and school. She could always be depended on to have a pleasant demeanor and an encouraging word for staff and students. Ms. Luckett was a faithful member of Gadsden for the last 20 years. The Gadsden family will miss Ms. Luckett and wish her well in retirement. Vivian Mack SNP Assistant, Pulaski Elementary Ms. Mack was an exceptional worker. Her colleagues appreciated her ability to step in and assist wherever necessary. Ms. Mack stood above the rest and will be deeply missed by the Pulaski team. Congratulations Ms. Mack. Horace Magwood Teacher Specialist, Academic Affairs Mr. Magwood worked with Savannah-Chatham County Public School System for 30 years as an educator, school administrator, and district teacher specialist. He advocated for science to be an experience both inside and outside of the classroom. He worked with many state and local partners to bring science to life for our schools. Enjoy retirement, Mr. Magwood.

Thomas Maty CTAE-Drafting Teacher, Jenkins High Mr. Maty had a true passion for Engineering. He challenged students and extracted the best from them academically. Mr. Maty’s students have gone on to excel in collegiate engineering programs. We will miss him tremendously because of his many years of dedication! Lori Miller Paraprofessional, Coastal Middle Ms. Miller was a phenomenal educator and teacher who served with us as a paraprofessional in an adaptive class. The skills, knowledge, and heart she brought to the table each day will never be equaled. She ensured the students she served were successful and had access to instruction that would help them soar. Congratulations, Ms. Miller. Luz Murillo Diaz Spanish Teacher, Pooler Elementary Mrs. Murillo has 18 years of teaching experience in her home country of Colombia and has 24 years of experience teaching in Georgia. Her passion for teaching Spanish showed as she taught students about music, culture, traditions, and unique characteristics from many different Spanish speaking countries. We wish Mrs. Murillo the best! Rhonda Myrick Student Information Specialist, Savannah Early College Ms. Myrick was an Information Specialist for SCCPSS for over 30 years. She has been named Instructional Support Person of the year multiple times. She was an asset to every principal and school that she served throughout her career. Ms. Myrick will be missed. Congratulations on your retirement. Patrick Nelson Mathematics Teacher, White Bluff Elementary Mr. Nelson was a dedicated employee with the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System for many years. The district appreciates his dedication to our students. Mr. Nelson was a pleasure to work with and will be missed by coworkers and supervisors. Mary Newman Paraprofessional, May Howard Elementary Ms. Newman served the district as a paraprofessional for many years. She loved working with students and seeing them succeed. The May Howard family will always remember Ms. Newman’s compassionate nature. Best wishes on a fruitful retirement. Deanna Ng Teacher, Pulaski Elementary Ms. Ng was a dedicated employee with Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools for many years. Ms. Ng was an advocate for children and worked hard to provide students with the best resources available. The district will miss her drive and determination. Enjoy retirement. Maquitha Page Head Custodian, Oglethorpe Charter School Ms. Page worked hard every day and was respected by all. We worked closely on various projects throughout her tenure and Ms. Page could always be depended on to give one hundred percent effort every time. Ms. Page was a wonderful staff member with an infectious demeanor. Best wishes on your retirement. Jelena Pavlovic Paraprofessional, Ellis Montessori Academy Ms. Pavlovic followed her passion for Montessori education and dedicated herself to supporting children in the classroom. She shared her artistic talents with children and encouraged them to not just see the visual composition, but to feel the emotions the artist was conveying in the work. Ms. Pavlovic will be celebrated for her unwavering energy in promoting the best in every child.

Douglas Povie Band Teacher, Largo-Tibet Elementary Mr. Povie will be remembered for his humor, good nature, and passion for music. He was dedicated to students and pushed them to strive for excellence. Largo-Tibet will miss Mr. Povie and the care and respect he showed to others. Congratulations Mr. Povie. Brenda Riley Counselor Clerk, Johnson High Ms. Riley was a dedicated employee with Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools for many years. The district appreciates Ms. Riley’s dedication to our students. Ms. Riley was a pleasure to work with and will be missed by coworkers and supervisors. Betty Robinson Administrative Secretary, Savannah Early College Ms. Robinson was an Administrative Secretary for SCCPSS for 35 years. She has been named the Instructional Support Person of the year multiple times. Ms. Robinson was kind, compassionate and hard-working. She was an asset to every Principal and school that she served throughout her career. Mary Sams Science Teacher, Southwest Middle Mrs. Sams possessed an unwavering passion and dedication to her students and a commitment to fostering the love for science and learning. Her compassion and enthusiasm for science and education touched the lives of countless students and colleagues during her 33 years in education. Ms. Sams will be missed. Enjoy retirement. Michelle Santiago Gifted Math Teacher, Coastal Middle Ms. Santiago has taught math to just about every child who grew up on the islands. Ms. Santiago led the math department at Coastal Middle School for three decades and sponsored the NJHS for almost as long. She will always be remembered for her passion for math, students, and achievement. Shirley Sapp SNP Assistant, Godley Station K-8 Mrs. Sapp was a valued employee who was dedicated to her career and arrived early for every shift. She was always willing to work late and assist her teammates with their tasks. Mrs. Sapp was faithful in ensuring our serving lines were decorated beautifully every month. The Godley Station family will miss Ms. Sapp. Jacqueline Scott Teacher, Windsor Forest Elementary Ms. Scott was a pillar of support and inspiration for her colleagues. She was always willing to lend a listening ear or share words of wisdom gleaned from her years of experience. Her classroom was a sanctuary of joy and laughter, and a place where imagination knew no bounds, and a place where the journey of discovery was met with open arms. Congratulations! Suzanna Shiver Elementary Teacher, Isle of Hope K-8 Ms. Shiver was a dedicated employee with the district for many years. She always maintained a strict focus on education and stressed to her students the importance of operating in excellence. The Isle of Hope family will miss Ms. Shiver and wish her well in retirement. Abradella Sims Special Education Teacher, West Chatham Elementary Ms. Sims was a pleasure to work with and during her time at West Chatham Elementary she made sure all students worked to their fullest potential. She was a dedicated employee with the district for many years. The district is appreciative of Ms. Sims' service and wishes her well in retirement.

Nancy Skibicki Teacher, Southwest Elementary Ms. Skibicki was a dedicated Kindergarten teacher for almost 30 years. She was the grade level chair and a member of the SWES Leadership team. Ms. Skibicki was a team leader who worked well with others and will be greatly missed. Congratulations on your retirement. Charles Smith Fleet Director, Transportation Mr. Smith demonstrated dedication and commitment to Transportation each day. He always sought innovations that would improve operations. He will be missed. Best wishes for a happy retirement. Twila Strode Administrative Secretary, Windsor Forest Elementary Mrs. Strode played an invaluable role in our daily routines. She had exceptional organizational skills and was able to multitask and streamline daily tasks. Her support and dedication greatly contributed to our overall success. Congratulations Ms. Strode. Elizabeth Summerell Special Education Teacher, Ellis Montessori Academy Ms. Summerell served the students at Charles Ellis Montessori Academy for over 20 years as a Special Education Teacher. The individual needs of each child and their wellbeing were at the forefront of all her efforts. Ms. Elizabeth, as she is affectionately known, will be celebrated for her patience and good humor. Congratulations Ms. Summerell. Sharon Tary Teacher, Pulaski Elementary Ms. Tary served the district as a teacher for many years. She was dedicated to making sure all students worked to their full potential. The district is appreciative of Ms. Tary’s dedication to the students of SCCPSS and wishes her well in retirement. Mary Thaxton Teacher, West Chatham Elementary Ms. Thaxton’s career was marked by professionalism, expertise, and a commitment to excellence. Throughout her tenure, Ms. Thaxton made significant contributions to her field. As she enters this new chapter of her life, Ms. Thaxton looks forward to embracing leisure, spending time with loved ones, and pursuing personal passions. John Tisbert Music Teacher, Esther F. Garrison School for the Arts John Tisbert served Garrison School as the Choral Director since it became an art school. Mr. Tisbert taught for 41 years and was Nationally Board Certified. Mr. Tisbert was the WTOC top teacher, Garrison School Teacher of the Year and traveled extensively with the choir reaching Carnegie Hall. Congratulations on your retirement. Valerie Urreta Teacher, West Chatham Elementary Throughout her tenure, Ms. Urreta brought a unique blend of expertise, compassion, and dedication to her role, making her an invaluable asset to our team. Her contributions have left an indelible mark on our organization, shaping both its culture and its success. We extend our heartfelt appreciation for her years of service and friendship. Anna Walker Student Information Specialist, Gould Elementary Ms. Walker was an essential part of Gould Elementary. She was a dedicated information specialist. The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System thanks Ms. Walker for her many years of service and wishes her well in retirement.

LaTonya Walton Teacher, Butler Elementary Ms. Walton was a team player and a leader. She worked hard every day to ensure students were grasping the curriculum and achieving elevated levels. The Butler family will miss Ms. Walton. Congratulations on your retirement. Kathleen Waters Teacher, Marshpoint Elementary Mrs. Waters exhibited a warm and welcoming personality that was reflected in her popularity with students, parents, and staff members. She was a model educator and started each day with a positive attitude that impacted on the culture of the school. The Marshpoint Elementary family will miss Ms. Waters and wish her well in retirement. Tammy Wheeler Gifted Teacher, May Howard Elementary Ms. Wheeler served as a Gifted teacher and taught 4th grade for many years. In addition, she taught Advanced Content Math to our 4th graders and spent many of her lunch periods assisting students who needed extra support. Ms. Wheeler also served as our Professional Learning Liaison and was highly organized and efficient, making sure everyone got credit for the PLCs they attended. She will be missed at May Howard. Jacquline White Paraprofessional, Gadsden Elementary Ms. White was the epitome of excellence in education. Ms. White's dedicated service and unwavering commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on our school, and her presence will be sorely missed. Whether it was through her innovative teaching methods, her mentorship of new faculty members, or her involvement in extracurricular activities. Ms. White has touched the lives of countless individuals and has left an enduring legacy that will continue to resonate for years to come. Helene Williams Custodial Worker, Gould Elementary Ms. Williams worked as a custodial worker at Gould. She took immense pride in keeping the school clean and tidy. Ms. Williams will be missed for her drive and determination. Enjoy retirement. Mitchell Williams Custodian, West Chatham Elementary Mr. Williams was a dedicated employee with Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools for many years. West Chatham Elementary appreciates its dedication to our school. Mr. Williams was a pleasure to work with and will be missed by coworkers and supervisors. Percival Williams Reading Teacher, Oglethorpe Charter School Mr. Williams worked hard day in and day out. He was a role model for all adults and students at Oglethorpe. Mr. Williams was also an excellent musician. The Oglethorpe family will miss Mr. Williams and wish him well in retirement. Rose Williams Social Studies Teacher, West Chatham Middle Ms. Williams worked with the district for 25 years supporting the needs of students and faculty. The district appreciates her dedication. Ms. Williams was a pleasure to work with and will be missed by coworkers and supervisors. Enjoy retirement. William Woodrum Math Teacher, Hesse K-8 Mr. Woodrum was a dedicated employee with the Savannah Chatham County Public School System for many years. He was dedicated to making sure all students worked to their fullest potential. Mr. Woodrum’s sense of humor and passion for math will be missed dearly. Enjoy retirement.

Laura Worthy Teacher, Bloomingdale Elementary Mrs. Worthy was a top-notch teacher! Her wealth of experience, pedagogical knowledge, and content knowledge was incredible. She contributed to the betterment of her students and her colleagues. Congratulations Ms. Worthy. Judith Wright Teacher, Heard Elementary The team at Heard would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to Ms. Wright for the many years of dedicated service and exceptional contributions to our school community. Her passion for teaching, unwavering commitment to our students' success, and positive impact on countless lives will be remembered and cherished. Congratulations!