Laurens County School District 56 Honors Decades of Service and Dedication at Annual Banquet

It was a night of celebration, gratitude, and reflection as Laurens County School District 56 hosted its annual Retirement and Service Awards Banquet at Clinton High School. The event honored retirees and long-serving educators and staff members who have collectively dedicated hundreds of years to shaping the lives of students across the district.

Hosted by the Board of Trustees, Superintendent Dr. David O’Shields, and district leadership, the evening opened with a welcome and blessing from Board Chair Jim Barton, followed by dinner prepared by the District 56 Food Service team. The highlight of the evening was the heartfelt recognition of employees celebrating milestone years of service—ranging from 25 to 60 years—as well as those stepping into retirement.

A Lifetime of Dedication

Among those honored were 2024–2025 retirees Georgia Fowler, Tammy Stewart, Penny May, Nancy Shealy, Mike Whitmire, Mary Waldron, Sandy Simmons, and Almira Young. Fowler, upon receiving her certificate and gift, offered a lighthearted reflection: “Retirement means putting on another set of tires and keep going,” drawing smiles and applause from the audience.

Superintendent Dr. David O’Shields, himself a 40-year honoree, recognized the retirees and service award recipients with deep appreciation. “I remember some of these teachers we are recognizing tonight as they grew up in our schools – to see the work they have done as teachers is so meaningful and rewarding,” O’Shields said. “They say that 20 years of service in education equals a generation of influence. We are so grateful for the dedication of our teachers and the generational influence they are bringing.”

Honoring Years of Service

Also recognized were employees celebrating milestone years of service.

25-Year Honorees included Josie Kate Haupfear, Jennifer Howard, Jeff Jenkins, Cynthia King, George Marshall, Mary Mason, Stacie McWatters, Susan Nelson, Taffi O’Connor, Nancy Shealy, Margaret Solomon, Pamela Warren, Christie White, Wendy Willingham, and Jana Wood.
30-Year Honorees were Thomas Bartee, Stephanie Puckett, Elizabeth Crowder, Eddie Romines, Charles Fallaw, Vickie Sineath, Faye Hawkins, Andrea Vaughn, Maxine McGee, and Jennifer Wilkie.
35-Year Honorees included John LaPomarda, Hugh Pace, and Julie Wofford.
40-Year Honorees were Bonnie Lyon and Dr. David O’Shields.
60-Year Honoree was Bill Rhodes.

Teacher of the Year Reflection

As her yearlong term came to a close, 2024-2025 District Teacher of the Year Katherine Addison delivered a moving reflection on her journey from student to teacher. Addison recalled specific educators who helped shape her love of learning and ultimately led her to pursue teaching, especially in mathematics.

Her path included student teaching at Dorman Freshman Campus, where mentor Dr. Brian Beasley of Presbyterian College pushed her to expand her horizons. Addison began her career at Woodruff High School, where she says, “the principal took a chance on me and always encouraged and supported me.” Her return to Clinton came after a conversation with Jeff Parks at a football game—a conversation that led to her interview with Dr. Brothers and a new chapter in her career.

Addison also highlighted how education has evolved during her years in the classroom—from overhead projectors to smart TVs, from paper gradebooks to online portals, and from paper handouts to fully digital classrooms. She acknowledged the unique challenges today’s students face.

“The students I teach today are much different from the students I taught in the 2000s,” Addison said. “Through all the change, there is one thing that remains constant – the importance of building relationships with our students.”

Recognizing Excellence

Each school in the district honored a Support Staff of the Year and a Teacher of the Year, celebrating individuals who have gone above and beyond in their roles:

Support Staff of the Year Honorees:

• Johnny Faye Warner – Joanna-Woodson Elementary School
• Debbie Plaxico – Eastside Elementary School
• Frances Booker – Clinton Elementary School
• Samantha Bates – M.S. Bailey Child Development Center
• Daryl Suber – Clinton Middle School
• Sandy Simmons – Clinton High School

Teacher of the Year Honorees:

• Jessi Davidson – Joanna-Woodson Elementary School
• Claire Tinsley – Eastside Elementary School
• Sarah Grooms – Clinton Elementary School
• Prondolyn Copeland – M.S. Bailey Child Development Center
• Dillon Snead – Clinton Middle School
• Heath Bryson – Clinton High School

From these honorees, two individuals were selected for district-wide recognition.
The 2025 Support Staff of the Year was Samantha Bates of M.S. Bailey Child Development Center.
The 2025 District Teacher of the Year was Jessi Davidson of Joanna-Woodson Elementary School.

The evening served as a powerful reminder of the impact educators and staff have across generations and how, even through changing technologies and challenges, relationships remain the foundation of great teaching. Laurens County School District 56 continues to embrace innovation and forge new traditions while honoring the legacy of those who’ve shaped its path.