Last night, May 27, 2025, we had the honor of recognizing 29 retirees from across Valdosta City Schools. Together, these outstanding individuals have dedicated a remarkable 592 years of combined service to the students of our great school district.
Each retiree was presented with a VCS paw, symbolizing their years of service in Valdosta City Schools. We know that many have contributed even more time serving in other school systems throughout our community, our state, and across the nation.
In addition to the paw, retirees received a VCS Gold Card, granting them free admission to athletic events, fine arts performances, and other school-sponsored activities. As an added gesture of gratitude, the Board has approved a retirement stipend for those leaving with 15 or more years of service.
Retirees with 15 to 20 years of service received a $250 check.
Those with 21 years or more received a $500 check.
While these tokens are small in comparison to the legacy each of these individuals leaves behind, please know they represent our deepest appreciation. We are forever grateful for their selfless service—not only to the children of Valdosta City Schools but to our community as a whole.
Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat!
Jennifer Alvarez, Central Office, 25 years of service
Patricia Baxter, Sallas Mahone Elementary School, 24 years of service
Charlie Black, Transportation Department, 14 years of service
Sharon Breeden, Valdosta Middle School, 16 years of service
Carolyn Brown, Sallas Mahone Elementary School, 10 years of service
Selina Brown, Pinevale Elementary School, 5 years of service
Wesley Force, Valdosta High School, 20 years of service
Susan Frankel, Pinevale Elementary School, 8 years of service
Brenda Gaddy, W.G. Nunn Elementary School, 11 years of service
Laurie Gaskins, S.L. Mason Elementary School, 32 years of service
Bonnie Grant, Valdosta Middle School, 23 years of service
Gail Gregory, Pinevale Elementary School, 14 years of service
Donna Hall, Valdosta High School, 35 years of service
Valerie Hall, W.G. Nunn Elementary School, 19 years of service
Earl Harris, Maintenance Department, 28 years of service
Dr. Artrice Haugabrook, Sallas Mahone Elementary School, 31 years of service
Diane Kielma, Valdosta High School, 14 years of service
Lecha Kimbrough, Central Office, 16 years of service
Belton King, Jr., Transportation Department, 18 years of service
Betty Linton, Special Education, 5 years of service
Sandra Marshall, Pinevale Elementary School, 10 years of service
Alice Nelson, Transportation Department, 38 years of service
Clara Orr, Special Education, 24 years of service
Billie Page, Sallas Mahone Elementary School, 30 years of service
Dr. Janice Richardson, Central Office, 34 years of service
Curtis Sermons, Transportation Department, 19 years of service
Bradley Tarpley, Valdosta Early College Academy, 29 years of service
Stephanie Thomas, Valdosta Early College Academy, 30 years of service
Cynthia Wright, Central Office, 10 years of service
*all photos can be found on our Facebook page