Meridian schools honor retirees

By By Georgia E. Frye / staff writer
May 13, 2004
With a combined total of 259 years of service to Meridian public schools, 17 school district employees are hanging up their hats.
Powell, who graduated from Meridian High School with Superintendent Sylvia Autry, has been a teacher for more than 20 years. In addition to teaching in Meridian, she has also worked in Drew, Greenville, Greenwood and Ruleville.
Powell and 16 other teachers, assistants, librarians, administrators, counselors, custodians and clerical specialists were honored Wednesday during a reception at the Temple Theater Ballroom.
Superintendent Sylvia Autry said they will be greatly missed.
Gloria Johnson, a special education teacher at Kate Griffin Junior High School, is retiring after 23 years. During her career, she also has taught at Oakland Heights Elementary, Parkview Elementary, Poplar Springs Elementary, Harris Upper Elementary and Marion Park Alternative schools.
She said she hopes to pursue other interests in her retirement.
Former Meridian High School Principal and Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent James Bounds has been with the district for more than 27 years.
Bounds said he plans to remain in Meridian and looks forward to spending time with his family.
The Lauderdale County School District will hold a retirement reception for its retiring teachers today at the Raymond P. Davis Courthouse Annex.