The end of each school year brings with it a smorgasbord of emotions. A sense of accomplishment related to the achievements and progress made over the past year, excitement at the prospect of summer, sadness as a result of the separation from friends and co-workers, anxiety over what lies ahead, etc. However, for a select few teachers and faculty within the Troup County School System, the end of this particular school year also brought with it a host of new emotions, those that surround retirement.

Earlier this month, Troup County School System (TCSS) celebrated its 42 retirees in a big way with help from First Baptist Church on Broad Street in LaGrange. The church hosted the retirement reception in their family life center.

The event featured good times, good food, and good fellowship for school personnel who were in the classroom, drove buses, kept facilities clean, and assisted in the cafeteria. All combined, there was over 1,065 years of service celebrated at the banquet.

Dr. Roy Nichols, TCSS interim superintendent said, “Today we recognized those who demonstrated years of commitment and service to the students and families of this community. It is certainly a celebratory time for many because they gave willingly of their knowledge and expertise for many years.” 

Retirement is an incredibly special occasion, and those that will now move on to the next stage of their lives this summer have collectively earned it. On average the 42 individuals who are retiring from the school system gave more than 25 years of service to the system. More than 25 years, on average, of helping to serve the youth of Troup County to the best of their abilities. Teaching and working with children and young adults is a calling only to be followed by a select few, and these individuals consistently answered that call over the course of many, many years.

We wish them well in their next journey. As these educators and faculty members leave, a new, bright-eyed, bushy-tailed batch of professionals will follow in their footsteps, stepping into roles all across the school system for the first time this upcoming school season. To those leaving the system, good luck to you. To those entering, welcome.