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Highlands County School Board recognizes staff milestones up to 45 years
Summary
The School Board honored district employees who reached service milestones, including a 40-year teacher and staff members with 30–45 years of service; administrators and invited speakers praised longtime dedication.
The School Board of Highlands County recognized multiple employees for long service at Monday’s meeting, honoring staff members whose years of service ranged from 30 to 45 years.
Carla Ball, director of human resources, introduced the recognitions and invited school administrators to speak for each honoree. The board and administrators recognized Sherry Whitten for 40 years of service and noted her long record as a teacher and athletic director. Tim Thompson, director of food nutrition, introduced Barbara Haywood, who was honored for 35 years of service and currently serves in the district food-nutrition office.
Other employees recognized included individuals listed in the meeting as reaching 30 years of service (names cited in the meeting record include Corliss Chapel [food nutrition], Darlene Bridal [Woodlawn Elementary] and Ruth Vanderkay [Sebring High School]) and one teacher with 45 years who was acknowledged in absentia. Sebring High School Principal Laura Shirley and Avon Park Middle assistant principal Eric Gooch offered remarks describing honorees’ contributions to students and school programs.
Administrators described honorees as consistent contributors who assist students, support colleagues and play roles beyond classroom instruction, including leadership on curriculum teams, athletics and district-level food and nutrition programs. The board gave each honoree public recognition and invited family members to join for photographs.
Why it matters: The recognitions highlight institutional memory and continuity in Highlands County schools and were presented as ceremonial acknowledgments of longtime service rather than as decisions requiring board action.
No formal board action was taken related to the recognitions during the meeting.
