RCS retirees reminisce, show gratitude

RUSSELLVILLE – Retirees for the city schools system were honored Nov. 14 at Russellville Middle School for their years of service.

Former RMS principal Jerry Baker said he’s thankful for the lasting friendships he made while, adding he loves running into former students.

Retired teacher and administrator Susan Hall echoed his sentiments.

“We all supported each other,” she said. “I’m thankful for the friendship and support I’ve received from both students and colleagues.”

Retired physical education teacher Patricia Cox said it’s “always nice to come back and see familiar faces,” noting although she’s retired, she occasionally works as a substitute teacher for RCS.

“I enjoy maintaining that connection with teaching,” Cox said. “Being part of RCS has been so much like a family — people know and support each other.”

Former Russellville High School principal and RCS superintendent Don Cox described RCS as “a special place,” noting he is “forever grateful” for the time he spent working there.

“Today, I remember Dr. Wayne Ray who was my mentor,” Cox added. “I miss seeing him. He laid the foundation for a lot of the success of this school system.”

Former RCS counselor Nancy Cooper said she was grateful she got to work in all of the schools in the system.

From left, Susie Malone, Patricia Cox and Judy Ory were on hand for this year’s luncheon for retirees.
PHOTO BY MARÍA CAMP

“There are so many wonderful faculty and staff and awesome students,” she said. “It’s great fun when I get to see the students as adults find out how many of them are making the world a better place.”

Former elementary teacher Gail McAlister said she’s also grateful for the friendships made and kept.

“I loved my job,” she said.

McAlister taught first, third, fourth and fifth grade and once received recognition as Teacher of the Year.

Former RHS business teacher Dedra Moore said she’s thankful not only for her students, but also for the close sense of family she developed and still has for those she worked with in RCS.

“It was great to be able to teach my daughter and her friends when they came through,” Moore said. “I loved teaching business skills because I was helping students learn things they could put to use no matter what area they went into career-wise.”

ForcurrentRMSSpecial Education Resource Paraprofessional Ponda Gordon, the event is also meaningful.

“I think it’s great that all of our faculty come back and visit and remember the rich traditions we have here,” she said. “We’re true Golden Tigers — we bleed black and gold.”

Deedra Moore and Gail McAlister pause for a photo at this year’s retirees luncheon.
PHOTO BY MARÍA CAMP