Carroll County Schools honor dozens of retirees, recognize combined 1,753 years of service

Carroll County Schools honored retiring employees at a May special board meeting recognition ceremony, noting the group collectively represents 1,753 years of service.

Jared Griffiths, assistant superintendent of human resources for Carroll County, emceed the program and welcomed retirees and their families. Neil Ruby, the district’s fine arts coordinator, introduced the Elevate Chorus — a group formed for the Georgia Music Educators Association comprised of student representatives from the district’s elementary, middle and high schools. Ruby said the chorus was honored to "honor, celebrate and thank each of you for being that one voice that has encouraged and inspired thousands of students." Teachers, administrators and staff were individually recognized onstage by cluster; retirees from district office, school nutrition and transportation were also named.

Several retirees and current teachers addressed the audience. Marcela Correa, introduced as a 32‑year educator in the Carroll County system and a music teacher at Ithaca and Sand Hill elementaries, reflected on influences that shaped her career and thanked colleagues and district leaders for support. Student musical performances accompanied the recognitions; the Elevate Chorus invited the audience to join the final chorus of "Lift Every Voice."

The board asked retirees to pass a ceremonial baton to a chosen employee. Assistant superintendent Griffiths and other district staff presented retirement gifts and called clusters by school. The district asked attendees to share the event on social media.

The ceremony concluded with expressions of gratitude from board members and the superintendent, and the meeting took a five-minute recess before proceeding with regular business.