Sue Bowling is named RISD Teacher of the Year
BY GLORIA JENNINGS

Teacher of the Year Award is presented to Sue Bowling, Rusk Elementary School faculty member. The award was presented to Ms. Bowling by Dr. Jim Largent, superintendent, at the annual teacher appreciation luncheon May 25 at the junior high school cafeteria.

Sue Bowling, elementary school teacher, was named Rusk ISD Teacher of the Year during the annual teacher appreciation luncheon Friday, May 25, at the junior high cafeteria.

Campus teachers of the year included Ms. Bowling from the elementary school; Elissa Baker, primary school; Rose Whitehead, intermediate school; Laura Christopher, junior high school and Jason Wilcox, high school. Each campus winner received a $100 bill and a framed certificate. Their names were added to the plaque that is permanently displayed at the campus office. Ms. Bowling's name is also added to the district plaque at the central office.

Service awards

Receiving a gold apple for 30 years of service was Sandra Higgins.

Silver apples were presented to Pam Grimes, Sandra Lenard and Christi Tillman for 25 year of service.

Teachers recognized for having 10 years of service to Rusk ISD included front row from left, Debbie Welch, Christina Robertson, Necia Little, Cindy Fulton and Tammy Parsons; in back, Crystal Shidler, Mike Kellogg, Leah Besson, Sarah Frazer, Shanna Bowman and John Alexander. Each received a golden bell for their service.

Gail Moore and Dana Tinsley were recognized for having 20 years of service and received crystal bells.

Given crackled glass apples for 15 years of service were Melanie Black, Debbie Daniel, Kathy Daughety, Jan Evans, Kathy Guidry, Lesa Jones, Glenda Ross, Diane Scott and Valli Stingley.

Recognized for having 10 years of service and presented with golden bells were John Alexander, Leah Besson, Shanna Bowman, Sarah Frazer, Cindy Fulton, Mike Kellogg, Necia Little, Tammy Parsons, Christina Robertson, Crystal Shidler and Debbie Welch.

Red marble apples were presented for five years of service to Irene Arnold, Jan Heidbreder, Jo Tussing, Stefani Jackson, Amy Kurtz, Doris Lindsey, Casey Mabry, Brian Martin, Carol Martin, Patricia Mc- Carty, Doris McDowell, Joan Robbins, Judy Simpson, Cheryl Sturrock, Dovie Whitaker and Larry Wilcox.

Staff members other than teachers honored for having perfect attandance include from left, Belinda Tullos, Carol Folkes, Martha Blackmon for the second consecutive year and Beverly Wilcox. Others recognized and not pictured were Billy Pruitt and Laila Sumrall.

Perfect attendance

Four school employees other from teachers with perfect attendance included Martha Blackmon, high school librarian, second consecutive year; Carol Folks, food service, Billy Pruitt and Laila Sumrall, transportation and Belinda Tullos and Beverly Wilcox, food service.

The 2006-07 school year is the third year of the teacher attendance incentive program. During the first two years 37 teachers qualified and 34 teacher qualified this year.

The 13 teacher with perfect attendance included three for two consecutive years are George Blackmon, Terri Garner and Crystal Shidler and 10 for one year, Osborne Brines, Laura Christopher, Marilyn Cleveland, Glynis Freiderich, Jill Hardy, Andy Marchetti, Sarabeth Massingill, Shelia McCullough, Darla Moore and Diane Scott. They will receive $500 in November contingent upon their continued employment.

Eight teachers who missed only one day and will receive $450 in November contingent upon continued employment include Vicki Beard, Terri Franklin, Jesssica Hopper, Tammy Lawson, Tammy Parsons, Gary Robbins, Pam Ward and Lynn Ward.

The 13 teachers who missed two days and will receive $400 in November contingent upon continued employment include Susan Birdwell, Kara Bowling, Jamie Hays, Melonie Hoffman, Brian Joyner, D'Linda

Mahaffey, Cindy Moake, Adam Nimitz, Laurie Peters, Kevin Stingley, Montie Sunday, David White and Shonda Williams.

Retirements

Retirements announced were Wayne Larson, seven years with the district, retiring as high school teacher/coach; Betty Walker, retiring in May 2006 after 34 years of service as high school teacher; and Agnes Williamson, retiring on Jan. 31, in food service after five years of service.

Bus driver of the year

Mark Turney, director of transportation named Ross Hunt as the bus driver of the year. Mr. Hunt was out of town and did not attend the luncheon.