THOMASVILLE- Thomasville City Schools honored its retirees on May 23 with an award ceremony and dinner at SASS. Together, the retirees represent 428 years of experience in education. The TCS administrators thanked all in attendance for their countless years of dedication and wisdom to those surrounding them.
Thomasville High School teacher Lynn Stowers was fondly remembered by her peers for her 56 years with Thomasville City Schools and 58 years in education, overall.
“I am honored to have been a part of your life, even if it was only for a moment,” said Principal Bryson Daniels. “Your commitment to excellence, passion for teaching, and unwavering dedication to our students have left a generational mark on our school and community. You have not only imparted knowledge but also instilled a love for learning for generations of students, parents, and maybe some grandparents.”
Daniels told Stowers the door would always be open for her at THS and thanked her again for doing everything right as a teacher.
Red Hots Dance coach Alison Bundrick was also thanked for her contributions to Thomasville High School, including turning the dance program around into an award-winning championship team.
“I am very thankful for the work that she did making our dance program as strong as it has been over the 10+ years of knowing her,” said administrators. “I hope that as she moves on into her next chapter of life that she does not forget about the legacy she helped foster with Thomasville City Schools.”
THS also recognized head baseball coach Erik McDougald, who will be retiring from the diamond.
“I am excited for you and taking that next step,” administrators told McDougald. “I hope that you won’t be far after retirement since you still have some wonderful daughters that are a part of the Thomasville City Schools family.”
THS Assistant Principal Daryl Jones retired after 30 years of dedication to the education field.
Daniels thanked him for all of his help, especially over the past two years, before wishing him well in his next chapter.
The high school wasn’t the only one losing teachers with decades of experience.
Danica Willis is retiring after 25 years at MacIntyre Park Middle School. Willis was an art teacher to many, encouraging students to think beyond what the eye sees.
Principal Courtney Davenport thanked Willis.
“Our students certainly benefited from your guidance and many of them were able to develop a lifelong passion for art,” he told her. “Enjoy the next chapter of your life!”
Elementary school teachers then said their goodbyes.
Jerger Elementary 5th grade teacher Allison Dewell is retiring after 27 years with the Thomasville City School System.
Principal Emily Newman was sad to see Dewell go but said she is thankful for her numerous contributions over the years.
“Thank you for pouring your heart into the students you taught,” she said. “We are beyond blessed to have had you as part of the Jerger family and look forward to all that God has in store for your next chapter.”
Jerger EIP teacher Lisa Singletary is retiring after 36 years on the job.
Singletary was known for her dedication to both Jerger students and the students at Balfour School before joining Jerger.
“During this time your talents have shaped the lives of the students you taught and the adults that have had the privilege to work alongside you,” Newman said. “May God continue to shine through you down your next path.”
As Singletary accepted her well wishes, retirees from Scott Elementary were recognized.
EIP teacher Sara Martha Davis is retiring after three decades in education and 14 years with the Thomasville City School System.
“We are so thankful you chose to start and end your career here at Scott,” said Principal Selena Dawson. “Thank you for investing in our children. We hope you enjoy your retirement.”
Instructional coach Samantha Green joined Davis in her retirement after 30 years.
Dawson encouraged Green to never underestimate the difference she made in the lives of the students and faculty while at Scott, sharing they were going to miss her smiling face next year.
Paraprofessional Teresa Smith retired from Scott as well. Smith was a paraprofessional for 25 years, 13 of which were with the Thomasville City School System.
“Mrs. Smith, we appreciate your years of service at Scott Elementary,” said Dawson. “We hope that you enjoy your retirement.”
As administrators reflected on the contributions made by every teacher in attendance, they were reminded of the big shoes that will now need to be filled and look forward to bringing in future educators who have the same heart for students.