Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District hosted the annual Retiree Luncheon on May 26 to honor 16 staff members who are retiring after the 2025-2026 school year. The event was sponsored by the district’s partner, Community Bank of Starkville.
Superintendent Tony McGee, Board of Trustees President Sumner Davis and Community Bank staff members spoke to retirees during the luncheon held at Harveys Bulldog Boardroom. In addition to a plaque honoring their service, employees received a gift bag from bank sponsors.
This year’s retiring employees have more than 300 years of combined service to the Yellow Jacket family across various school campuses as well as SOCSD’s Child Nutrition and Transportation departments.
Davis shared the board’s appreciation for their dedication.
“Whether you have served as teacher in the classroom or a school resource officer, cafeteria worker or bus driver, you have all contributed to helping our students learn,” he said. “More than that, the resilience you have shown through your time with the district is a great example to our students and community.”
Davis commented on how this group of staff members has served well through many changes in the district and community, from construction of a new school and adoption of a modified calendar to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. He praised the teachers for their creativity and flexibility during that time and recognized cafeteria staff and bus drivers’ hard work to provide meals for students even though the school was not open for in-person learning.
McGee echoed the board president as he congratulated the staff members for a job well done.
“Public education is a primary driving force for successful communities,” McGee said. “Your service to our district and our families has helped us achieve a lot of success over the years, and it has made a huge difference for our community.”
Karen Dickey, Hailey O’Bryant and Robert Dienelt attended the luncheon on behalf of Community Bank and shared the organization’s pride at being able to honor the work of retiring staff.
“We are very proud of all your accomplishments,” said Dickey, who serves as the Community Bank’s chief administration officer for the north region. “We want you to know that we are here to support you and to support the district. We honor you for the service you have made to the community through your work with our schools.”
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