MARION -- The Marion Community Unit 2 School District board of education on Tuesday night recognized nine retiring teachers and administrative staff and six noncertified employees.
Among the teachers and administrators were MHS dean of students Darrell "Wimbo" Wimberly. The role model for MHS pupils retired after 19 years.
Board president Joe Bleyer noted that the district was losing 235 years of teaching experience.
Other retirees presented with their names engraved on school bells were Susan Atkisson, MJHS math with 33 years, Donna Bragee, MJHS science, with 33 years, Rosie Gribble, fifth grade at Washington, 33 years, Kyla Hafeli, Lincoln reading specialist with 25 years, Becky Myers, Longfellow reading specialist with 22 years, Sharon Pinson, Lincoln reading specialist -- with 23 years, Nancy Smolak, Jefferson kindergarten for 18 and a half years, Lisa Stewart, Longfellow reading specialist with 34 years, and Darrell "Wimbo" Wimberly, MHS dean of students and assistant football coach after 19 years.
Noncertified staff honored were Debra Basler, MHS cook for seven years, William Gower, MHS custodian for eight years, Tracey Martin, Lincoln secretary for 20 years, Debbie Odum, Washington media aide for 24 years, Staci Lucas Warren, Longfellow secretary with 21 years and DeLynda Whitehead, Lincoln secretary with 18 years.
In addition to the engraved schoolteacher's bells, the retirees were given certificates of appreciation from State Rep. Dave Severin, R-Benton.
