Lincoln County School District Superintendent David Martin, board members and senior staff gathered Wednesday at Bogue Chitto Attendance Center with LCSD employees and parents to thank them all for their hard work during the school year.

“In August, we all look forward to the start of school and all the anticipation and excitement a new year brings,” he said. “We welcome those babies into our schools and all that is to come for the year.

“Now, after 10 months of hard work and giving so much of ourselves, we are … ready for a break. You all have worked day in and day out for the past year to make our schools the best places they can be for our students. Thank you.”

Martin then spoke solemnly when he added, “There are a lot of things that go on in the world that we don’t have to deal with here. This is a good time to remind ourselves how fortunate we truly are. We have to remember how blessed and fortunate we are to work where we do. It’s a great place to work because of all of you.”

Recognition of the Parents of the Year saw awards go to Enterprise’s Leisa Gill and to Bogue Chitto’s Shellie Burgess. Absent were Loyd Star’s Shane Easterling and West Lincoln’s Kayla Mabile, who was also named District Parent of the Year.

The next awards focused on teachers of the year, including Bogue Chitto’s Chase Wallace, Loyd Star’s Emily Wallace and West Lincoln’s Alyson Huey. Absent was Enterprise’s Robin Greer, who was also named District Teacher of the Year.

The final awards spotlighted those retiring after many years of service to the district. The awards went to West Lincoln’s Linda Franklin, Bogue Chitto’s Nancy Butler, Bogue Chitto’s Tina Givens, Child Nutrition’s Geraldine Fleming, Loyd Star’s Cindy Schroder, Loyd Star’s Michelle Case and Loyd Star’s James Byrd. Absent were Loyd Star’s Lauri Speeg, Sherry Davis and Connie Britt, and Child Nutrition’s Shirley Price.

“Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders, decision makers and community members who will affect all of us,” Martin said. “Many of you are teachers and coaches here today because of those who gave of themselves for you. Now you have answered the call to help create the future.

“I continue to believe that education is a mission field and a calling. Growing and using your skills to contribute to something beyond yourself is a passion. When you are passionate about something, you give much more of yourself than you realize.

“Everyone remembers their favorite teacher and how that teacher helped them become [an adult]. You are now that for someone else.

“Rest up this summer – you have earned a well-deserved break. And come back in the fall with the same focus as before – on those babies walking through our doors.

“We appreciate you. We love you. And we thank you.”