DAILY LEADER / KATIE WILLIAMSON / Superintendent Ben Cox thanks the faculty and staff for their hard work over the past year and encourages them to relax over the summer break.

The Brookhaven School District recognized several faculty and parents at an awards ceremony on Tuesday morning.

Stephanie Henderson, deputy superintendent, congratulated the faculty on working diligently throughout the year to prove that the district was better than the D rating given last year in the Mississippi Department of Education accountability rankings, and she also recognized those who were working to allow the new curriculum and testing to be integrated next year.

Superintendent Ben Cox said the district is only able to succeed because of the faculty and staff.

PHOTO SUBMITTED / Receiving parent of the year awards for the Brookhaven school district on Tuesday were (from left) Brookhaven High School – Yolanda Johnson, Brookhaven Technical Center – Vickie Driskell, Alexander Junior High – Cindy Townsend, Lipsey School – Sarah Foster, Brookhaven Elementary School – Suzanne Britt, and Mamie Martin Elementary – Mandy Goss.

“I hope you go home and relax, but first I want to say thank you,” he said. “We’ve got pride here at Ole Brook; your sense of tradition gives our students something to work for.”

Administrator of the year was awarded to Rod Henderson, principal at Alexander Junior High School.

“His work and dedication has made Alexander School one of the best schools in the state,” Cox said.

Mandy Vinson received teacher of the year at a luncheon held at the end of April.

The following faculty, staff and parents were recognized Tuesday for their service to the district.

PHOTO SUBMITTED / Brookhaven school district’s administrator of the year is Rod Henderson, principal at Alexander Junior High School, and teacher of the year is Mandy Vinson, who teaches at Brookhaven High School.

Parents of the Year

Mamie Martin Elementary School – Mandy Goss

Brookhaven Elementary School – Suzanne Britt

Lipsey School – Sarah Foster

Brookhaven High School – Yolanda Smith Johnson

Brookhaven Technical Center – Vickie Driskell

District and Alexander Junior High – Cindy Townsend

Retirees: Lori Allen, Pamela Brewer, Margie Cameron, Cynthia Davis, Mary Donald, Carolyn Kees, Mignon McKennon, Margaret Smith, Donald Tyson, Earl Westfall

Recipients of the Urban Teacher Appreciation Grant 

 Each year, this grant provides money to educators to continue their pursuit of higher education degrees. 

Felicia Durr, Arlandra Scott Earl, Nancy Fisher, Janee’ Harrison, Beth Jackson, Chad Leggett, LaTesha Mason, Makisia Russ-Brown, Krista Russell, Lakeia Vaughn, Stacy Walker

Service pin recipients 

Thirty-five year: Annie Henderson

Thirty year: Versie Rushing and Angela Bledsoe.

Twenty-five year: Pamela Brewer, Jacqueline Howard, Marian Mackabee, Ethel Richardson, Margaret R. Smith and Leona White.

Twenty year: Sylvia Balentine, Carol Clanton and Procene Daniel.

PHOTO SUBMITTED / Brookhaven school district retirees were recognized on Tuesday during the district’s year-end convocation. Honored were (from left) Pamela Brewer, Margie Cameron, Mary Donald, Mignon McKennon and Carolyn Kees. Not pictured: Lora Allen, Cynthia Davis, Margaret Smith, Earl Westfall and Donald Tyson.

Fifteen year: Elissa Barnes, Kevin T. Bower, Margie Cameron, Denise Clark, Howard Franklin, Patrick Hardy, Charlie Harris, Pamela Nations, Herschel O’Bannon, Rita Robinsond, Amy Spring, Randy Spring and Melissa Wilson.

Ten year: Theresa Ballard, Kristi Bridge, Tiffany Brooks, Bridgett Gilmore, Barbara Herring, Louise Howard, Kristy Kees, Angela Moore, Heather Smith, Michael Smith, Amy Valentine and Lisa Williams.

Five year: Rose Breakfield, Elizabeth Breeland, Jessie Case, Megan B. Case, Nikkitta Holloway, Ben Huey, Shonda Lawson, Barbara Moak, Jens Oliva, Lindsey Porter, Michelle Smith, Stephanie Verucchi and Shantwania Willis.