CCSD Honors Retiring Employees at Retiring Legends Ceremony

The Cherokee County School District honored retiring employees as legends for their dedication to ensuring our students learn more, grow more, and achieve more here than they can anywhere else!

(See more photos in our online gallery) 

The CCSD Retiring Legends Reception and Recognition Ceremony celebrated 156 retiring employees, including teachers, support staff and administrators, on Thursday evening at The Mill on Etowah in Canton.  Family members, School Board members, principals and school district leaders attended the special event to thank them for their many years of service, unparalleled talent, and unmatched dedication.

The event included recognition of all retiring employees in attendance, who were individually thanked by School Board members.  As each retiree made his or her way through the receiving line, their years of service with CCSD were announced along with a tribute from their principal or supervisor.  

Each retiree received an engraved CCSD Legends insulated metal Yeti cup and handmade pottery created by students of River Ridge HS art teachers Chris Akins and MaryJo Mulvey, who both are retiring this month.  All also will receive a retiree badge for free access to CCSD high school athletic events and activities.  

The retiree with the most years of service to CCSD of all retiring certified employees, which includes teachers, and of all classified employees, which includes support staff, each received additional gifts.  

For certified employees, Freedom Middle School sixth-grade teacher Mitzi Killian was honored for her 41 years of dedicated service to CCSD!  

“Freedom Middle School will deeply miss Mitzi, who throughout her career served as a Beta Club sponsor, bus driver, and teacher who brought care, accountability, and unforgettable storytelling into every role she held,” Principal Chad Flatt said.  “A kind, driven mentor to both students and new teachers alike, she consistently went above and beyond to inspire, guide, and uplift those around her.”

For classified employees, Vicki Wheeler, who most recently served as Free Home Elementary School’s bookkeeper, was honored for her 38 years of dedicated service to CCSD!  

“Vicki has left an enduring mark on our school community through her commitment, care, and steady leadership,” Principal Julie Peppers said. “A true ray of sunshine, her positive influence has touched generations of Free Home families, and her presence is deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.”

Each received a $100 Visa gift card provided by CCEF, a $100 Buffalo’s Café gift card, and $50 Riverstone Corner Bistro gift certificate.

The event was made possible thanks to the financial support of presenting sponsor, Cherokee County Educational Foundation; and in-kind donations by platinum sponsor, The Mill on Etowah; and gold sponsors, Alpine Bakery, Buffalo’s Cafe, Credit Union of Georgia, Johnny’s Pizza in Canton, The Local Graze, Luna Del Rio, Nothing Bundt Cakes in Woodstock, Panera of downtown Canton, River Ridge High School art department, Riverstone Corner Bistro, Rock N Roll Sushi, and Sweety’s Café and Tea Room.  

Student performances were featured as part of the celebration including songs by the Avery ES and Creekview ES choruses, a skit by Cherokee HS theatre students, and a speech by Sequoyah HS speech and debate team captain Anjali Gavalas.  The Woodstock HS Navy JROTC presented the colors.  Etowah HS Family & Consumer Science students assisted with refreshments.

The program also included remarks by Cherokee Retired Educators Association President Leslie Shelley, who encouraged retirees to join and support students and teachers by volunteering.  

CCSD 2025-26 RETIRING LEGENDS
ACTIVE Academies: Pamela Cheever, Andrew Martin, Jeanne Rottner
Arnold Mill ES: Daniel Fuller, Beth Warres, Holley Woodard
Avery ES: Jeanne Adams, Jodi Adams, Jennifer Blakey, David Boggs, Angel Jane, Julie Wofford
Ball Ground ES STEM Academy: April Arnett, Cortnie Freeman, Sandra Moore, Emily Stancil
Bascomb ES: Judith Eason, Kristy Lyle
Boston ES: Teri Dixon
Carmel ES: Amanda Coons, Laurie Coffey, Alan Dukes, Deborah Hallford, Sarah Mallow, Jill Noojin, Janet Price, Gina Surratt
CCSD Preschool Centers: Tracy Giles, Karen McCabe, Dr. Jessica Porter, Lori Rich
Cherokee HS: Mary Carder, Garrick Cheyne, Kym McCrary, James Sanchez, Bethany Thomas
Clark Creek ES STEM Academy: Joey Moss, Jerry Jennerson
Creekland MS: Alissa McDonough, Julie McRae, Kurt Wheeler
Creekview HS: Marie Harrison, Linda Markham
Dean Rusk MS: Sebrina Cobb, Mark Diss, Connie Strickland
E.T. Booth MS: Karen Capozzi, Elizabeth Hunter, Heather Powell, Lori Salvino
Etowah HS: Curt Ashley, Laura Blake, Edwin Casteel, Silvia Holmes, Robert Horn
Free Home ES: William Berry, Susanna Brooks, Vicki Wheeler
Freedom MS: Jacki Campbell, Sara Dominy, Bradley Duvall, Mitzi Killian, Lauren Moss, Brandi Shook
Hasty ES Fine Arts Academy: Bethany Iddings, Roger Kvam, Kimberly Marler
Hickory Flat ES: Beth Diss
Holly Springs ES STEM Academy: Tracy Colyer, Donna Kelley
Indian Knoll ES: Allison Eubanks, Jennifer Lewis, Amanda Lockaby, Michelle Miller, Chrissy Snelson, Kristin Towns
Johnston ES: Joanne Waver, Kathleen Zackery
Knox ES STEM Academy: Andrea Jo Fountain, Stephen McGowan
Liberty ES: Sue Banker, Michelle Endozo
Little River ES: Georgia Branson, Anthony Burdo, Debra Georges, Susan Montgomery, Amy Whelan, Vonnie Woods
Macedonia ES: Pamela Estes
Mill Creek MS: Lori Evans, Katie Hruby
Macedonia ES: Laura Mikes, Connie Morgan, Julie Schumaker
Oak Grove ES STEAM Academy: Laura Lang, Denise Lewis, Deborah Rogers, Maria Rogers
R.M. Moore ES STEM Academy: Deana Fronebarger, Michele Grubb, Donna Lownes, Donna Swindell, Lisa Williams
River Ridge HS: Chris Akins, Victoria Bobber, Tiffany Davenport, Karri Flaherty, Nancy Fisher, Marci Goodloe, MaryJo Mulvey
Sequoyah HS: Elease Franchini, Rhonda Higgins, Lisa Honea, Cindy Perry
Sixes ES: Melissa Perryman, Shona Roberts, Beth Townsend
Teasley MS: Tammy Lafoon, Beverly Murphy
Woodstock HS: Julie Crowe, Aurelia Epperson, Steve Epperson, Diane Jones, Alesia Register
Woodstock MS: Anne Jewell, Belinda “BJ” Mazza, Joanna Montalvo, Melissa Ryan
CCSD Academics & Accountability: Sherri Knox, Sharon McClain, Jeff Pence, Lyn Turnell
CCSD Financial Management: Tammie Collis, Marjorie Defrank, Cynthia Mullinax
CCSD Human Resources: Whitney Nolan, Melissa Whatley
CCSD School Leadership & Operations: Susan Hotaling, Tonya Sebring
CCSD Superintendent’s Office: Mike McGowan
CCSD Support Services: Ray Andes
CCSD Technology & Information Services: Michael Bostardi, Belinda Leach, Christopher Saxon, Karla Tipton, Rachel Vann 
CCSD Transportation: Stanley Cagle, Angela Goff, Sheri Hodges, Patsy Holloway, Christopher Jones, Brenda McMahon, Jennifer Nixon, Faye Mraz, Lisa Ragsdale, Jeff West

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