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Four Educators Honored by McKenzie Education Association

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McKENZIE (May 20) — It was a bittersweet day as two persons retired from McKenzie Special School District. Mona Batchelor, high school librarian, and Renee Brown, educational assistant, both ended their tenure at McKenzie High School. Batchelor has served as MHS librarian for 10 years and Brown as worked 25 years as an educational assistant.
MEA President Joanna Turner welcomed everyone to the annual gathering in which retirees and teachers of the year are honored.
MHS Principal Tim Watkins said Brown will be missed by the faculty and students. She had lots of patience and helped with the students in special education. He noted she will now enjoy her time with family, especially a new grandchild.
Batchelor was hired by retiring MHS Principal Terry Howell upon his retirement and immediately prior to Watkins assuming the office. He called her an asset and one who students arrive early to school to visit with her in the library. He noted faculty members heavily depend on her.

Kevin Gallimore, in his presentation of the MHS Teacher of the Year Award to Batchelor, said she always worked to build relations. She is a kind person, who tries to connect with everyone and make it a valuable relationship. She often helped technologically challenged faculty members with the computers, said Gallimore.
Donna Simmons was named the educational assistant of the year, her daughter-in-law, Kelly Simmons said her mother-in-law always “pours herself into everyone” and offers smiles and hugs and is supportive of the students. On a personal note, Kelly Simmons said she hit the mother-in-law lottery.
Beckie Smith was honored as the McKenzie Elementary School Teacher of the Year. She was said to light up a room and offer kinds words and smile while giving great advice with a positive attitude. Smith is the counselor for the school.
Cassie Ellis was honored as the McKenzie Middle School Teacher of the Year. She is a genuine team player and often thinks outside the box to look for improvements, said Jill Renfro. She embraces change and is eager to embrace new teaching methods to connect with her students.

Education, McKenzie, Honor, Retire