Conway Public Schools recently hosted a special luncheon to honor and celebrate this year’s retiring employees. The event, held in recognition of their years of dedicated service, brought together retirees, their families, district administrators, and colleagues for a time of appreciation, reflection, and celebration.
Superintendent Dr. Jeff Collum opened the event with a heartfelt welcome, saying, “You made it. You ran the race well. For however many years of your life you’ve given to education—you’ve completed the course.” He encouraged the retirees to look ahead to a new chapter full of rest, joy, and adventure, while reminding them that their legacy will remain in the lives of the students and staff they impacted.
Following lunch, each retiree in attendance was individually recognized and presented with a commemorative plaque to honor their service. They were joined at the front by their families and building or department leaders for a group photo and personal congratulations.
Staff Members Honored at the Retirement Luncheon:
Debbie Hibbs – Conway High School
Ed Franklin – Conway High School
Vickie Taylor – Conway High School
Kim Leaton – Jim Stone Elementary
Melissa Miller – Jim Stone Elementary
Mark Lewis – Jim Stone Elementary
Jimmy Campbell – Woodrow Cummins Elementary
James Hardin – Maintenance Department
Anna Mahan – Conway High School
Javier Ramos – Sallie Cone Preschool
Torrie Achan – Woodrow Cummins Elementary
Jeanne Ortiz – Julia Lee Moore Elementary
Natalie Lea – Ruth Doyle Middle School
Peggy Paxton – Ruth Doyle Middle School
Sharon Bradley – Simon Middle School
Evada Fields – Simon Middle School
Elizabeth Harness – Carl Stuart Middle School
Cheryl Morris – Carl Stuart Middle School
Angie Schichtl – Preston & Florence Mattions Elementary
Terry Clardy – Conway Junior High School
Shawn Finch – Conway Junior High School
Delbra King – Conway Junior High School
Paula McKee – Conway Junior High School
Lorraine Deavers – Sallie Cone Preschool
Sharon Huckabay – Sallie Cone Preschool
Conway Public Schools also extends sincere congratulations and gratitude to the retirees who were unable to attend. Their years of service and commitment to education are deeply appreciated and will not be forgotten.
Among this year’s group of retirees, the greatest number of years of service to Conway Public Schools was an impressive 36 years—a testament to the dedication and staying power of our remarkable staff.
“These individuals have made a lasting difference in our schools and in the lives of countless students,” said Dr. Collum. “Though their daily presence will be missed, their influence will be felt for years to come.”
The district is grateful to all its retirees for their commitment to education and wishes them the very best in retirement.
View more photos here: 2025 Retirement Luncheon
