Hope Public Schools District Retirees Honored

HOPE – Retirements from the Hope Public Schools were recognized  on the final day of classes for the day Friday.

The longest tenure recognized was that of Hope High School Librarian Alma Phillips, who began her career in education in Hope in 1976. Four others, including Assistant Superintendent for Transportation/Facilities Steve Bradshaw, Transportation/Facilities-Custodial Secretary Gail Grant, Yerger Middle School Art Teacher Shirley Miller, and District Accounts Payable Clerk Cecilia Waldren, began their careers in the Hope Schools in 1980. Beryl Henry Elementary School Sixth Grade Teacher Gwen Newton began in 1990. YMS Social Studies Teacher Janice Russell and HHS English Teacher Janet Banister began in 1994. And, HHS Physics Teacher Kathy Hodges began teaching in Hope in 2007. Master Sergeant Kenneth Funchess, HHS Air Force JROTC instructor, also retired from the military. HPS Superintendent Bobby Hart made the retirement award presentations. – Ken McLemore/Hope Public Schools