McKenzie Teachers, Staff Honored During Second Annual Appreciation Banquet

McKENZIE (May 5)—Teachers and staff members of McKenzie Special School District were honored for their service during the second annual appreciation dinner held at the Tennessee National Guard Armory in McKenzie. Mallard’s Restaurant catered the meal, and many area businesses provided financial support and gifts for the celebration.
Dr. Justin Barden, director of schools, served as the master of ceremonies for the event. This is his second year as director of MSSD. One of his initiatives is to honor the educators and staff members for their service.
Three teachers from their respective schools were honored as teachers of the year.
Brandy Baumgardner, a Pre-K Special Education teacher, was selected from McKenzie Elementary School.
Karlene Brown, a Special Education teacher and soccer coach, was selected from McKenzie Middle School.
Ashley Lowe, the school counselor, was selected from McKenzie High School.
All three received plaques and a gift to commemorate the honor.

Teachers: 30-Plus Years of Service — Carol Nanney (32 years), Jill Warren (33 years), Gina Pate (30), Dianne Anderson (45), and Sheila Ridley (33), who announced her retirement. Not pictured are Lorrie Brown, Veda Haney and Beckie Smith.

Teachers: 25-30 Years of Service — George Ognibene (27 years), LaDona Herrin (27 years), Josh Kee (25 years), Sherrie Austin (25 years), and Erika Cole (27 years).

Support Staff of the Year — Kim Creasy - McKenzie Elementary School Educational Assistant; Christy Hampton - McKenzie High School Educational Assistant; and Laura Martin- Cafeteria Manager-McKenzie Middle School.

Service lapel pins were presented to associates of MSSD in the five-year increments of service.

5 years up to 10 - Kevin Beck (5), Betty Carrington (5), Nick Chappell (5), Ashley Lowe (5), Jill Scott (5), Trey Cantrell (6), Audra Atkins (7), Chase Barton (7), Brandy Baumgardner (7), Mitch Belew (7), Kelsey Brown (7), Karlene Ellis-Brown (7), Dusty Emerson (7), Megan Fuzzell (7), Rachel Hardy (7), Jessica Hochreiter (7), Ashley Horne (7), Greg Jones (7), Ginny Knott (7), Rocio Mejorado (7), Cari Moore (7), Karen Moore (7), Allison Dalzell (8), Patricia Lee (8), Sydney Lane (9), Beverley Overcast (9).
10 years up to 15 — Lauren Banuelos (10), Kristina Collins (10), Janet Esch (10), Billie Hardwick (10), Christy Hampton (10), Kevan King (10), Mallory Welch (10), Josie Brown (11), Kim Creasy (11), Lauren Flannery (11), Gina Harper (11), Beth Mathis (11), Lori Robertson (11), Bobby Osborne (12), Lindsey Parham (12), Dorothea Royle (12), Kelly Spivey (12), Mary Spivey (12), Chris Wall (12), Zach Tippitt (13), Allison Winston (13), Paul Carroll (14), Mallory Fowler (14), Carol Hill (14), Megan Taylor (14).
15 years up to 20 — Amanda Morris, (16), Jennifer Nelson (17), Zach Renfro (17), Joanna Turner (18), Jill Wilson (18), Anita Burden (19), Susan Dyer (19).
20 years up to 25 — Gretchen Boucher (20), Kristi Brown (20), Jana Stafford (20), Rebecca Jones (21), Amanda Oakley (21), Christina French (22), Traci Lunn (22), Jennifer Travis (22), Angie Hollowell (23), Courtney Kee (23), Jill Renfro (33), Brandy Turman (23), Kathleen Barcroft (24), Cathy Edlin (24).
25 years up to 30 — Sherrie Austin (25), Josh Kee (25), Erika Cole (27), LaDona Herrin (27), George Ognibene (27), Laura Martin (28).
30 years up to 40 — Lorrie Brown (30), Gina Pate (30), Carol Nanney (32), Veda Haney (33), Sheila Ridley (33) -retiring, Beckie Smith (33), Jill Warren (33).
40 Years-plus - Dr. Dianne Anderson was the lone recipient of a 40-year pin for her 45 years of service.