Retirement luncheon photo

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

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