Cannon County Schools honors students, teachers and long-serving staff at May board meeting

The Cannon County Board of Education used part of its May 8 meeting to recognize students, staff and retirees. The board presented a May good-citizenship award, named district teachers and administrators of the year, honored participants in an inaugural leadership class and noted multiple retirements, including a longtime staff member with 48 years of service.

Waylon Francis of Cannon County Middle School received the May good-citizenship award; he was nominated by his principal, Dr. Annie Reed, who said Waylon 'is truly one of the kindest and most giving students' and consistently looks for ways to help others. The board also recognized participants in the district's new leadership class; the superintendent said principals nominated teachers for the inaugural program to cultivate future school leaders.

District winners of Teacher of the Year were named as Robin McCord (K-4), Carla Parker (5-8) and Amanda Cray (9-12). The board noted Carla Parker is a semifinalist in the state-level competition. Crystal Kennedy was recognized as Supervisor of the Year and Courtney Nichols as Principal of the Year.

Retirements announced included Lynn Gregg, who will retire with 30 years of service (24 years in the district plus additional service credited through the state), and Dr. Marsha Melton, who will retire June 30 after 48 years with Cannon County Schools. The board and meeting participants gave both staff members extended recognition and a standing ovation.

The director provided closing remarks thanking leadership-class participants and recognizing end-of-year events, including awards days and high school graduation scheduled for May 16 at 7 p.m. at Cannon County High School's football field, weather permitting, and summer school that begins June 2.