Corbin School Board celebrates 15 retirees, honors 2 outstanding students

Jun. 18—CORBIN — In a heartfelt ceremony held at Corbin Middle School, board members, colleagues, and family gathered to express their gratitude and bid farewell to the district's retiring educators and staff members.

Thursday's meeting opened, however, with student recognitions.

Shannon Dixon — the newly announced principal for Corbin High School — began by congratulating Lydia Engle, a senior at Corbin High School, as the winner of the Congressional Art Competition for Kentucky's fifth congressional district. Her painting will be featured in the U.S. Capitol Building for one year and she is invited to a national reception in Washington this summer for all the winners across the country.

Corbin Middle School's newest principal, Evan Robinson, acknowledged 8th grade student, Chance Henderson for the accomplishments he's had throughout middle school. Chance was transferred to CMS from the Whitley Day Treatment Center Alternative School and throughout his time at CMS, grew to be a leader and hardworking student. He now is on the track team and plays the tuba. Robinson recognized that Henderson's journey through middle school as one they're very proud of.

The board went on to honor their distinguished group of retirees, celebrating their years of dedicated service to the school district in a recognition ceremony.

Superintendent David Cox opened the ceremony with a speech about the group of retirees.

"This is one of the most prominent groups of retirees we've had in a long time," said Supt. Cox.

Principals of the schools were then brought up to address those they've worked with throughout their time in the district.

Retiring Corbin High School Principal Steve Jewell opened up about his time with three retirees: Cheryl Tinsley, Jill Lewis, and Jeffery Meadows.

Jewell expressed that Tinsley was a "student person," who always wanted to know what was going on with the kids.

"Cheryl always had students at her desk. She always tried to find out what was going on with the students' lives."

Tinsley started the WaterStep project at Corbin High School over a decade ago, providing safe water to those living without in undeveloped countries. CHS plans to continue their project, despite Tinsley's retirement.

Jewell went on to honor Lewis, saying "she was a history teacher that cared so much and had passion about her topic."

He opened up about how honest Lewis was, stating, "She may not tell me what I want to hear, but I knew I was always going to get the honest answer. I depended on her dearly for that."

Jewell then felt emotional when expressing his gratitude for Meadows, a retiring custodian for CHS.

"This guy is a culture person. He creates a perfect environment for our kids," added Jewell. "He's been a special part of my life. I consider him a dear friend."

Corbin Primary School Principal Travis Wilder continued with the ceremony by recognizing educators and staff that he worked with including Vicki Baker, Judy Lewallen, and Deborah Michael.

Wilder commented that he believes Michael was one of the best cafeteria staffers they could have asked for at the primary school.

"The only thing I have against her is she's probably the reason I put on about 10 pounds," he joked. "Anytime you go to her line, she wants to make sure you had plenty of food."

He stated that she always seemed in great spirits whenever talking with the students, and that she truly represents the best of the district.

Wilder continued with honoring Baker, the attendance clerk.

"She is so driven, so old-school. She's the one I leaned into when I really needed advice." Wilder commented, adding that she's a fighter with a touching story about how she's held herself with grace after the death of her son — contributing to the person she is today.

Wilder then gives recognition to Lewallen, one of the primary school's educators since 2008.

"The thing that was unflinching about Judy, without fail, she always put kids first. She was old-school and she was tough love, but the students love her," Wilder added, explaining that she was one of the most underrated educators that they've ever had in the Corbin school district.

Supt. Cox opened up about the district staff he would be saying goodbye to this year, which included Melissa Evans, Kim Brock, Bo Roaden, Donna Bowling, Sandy Wilson, Janet Ellison, Steve Jewell, and Tom Greer.

Cox started by explaining that he and Evans started their careers together teaching middle school, saying they become close because of their kids being the same age and going to the same school together.

"Our kids were running the halls together," the superintendent said. "She's a team leader, and I have a lot of fun memories. Great sense of humor, she's a good lady."

Cox then continued his send-off by explaining how Brock, the grant facilitator in the central office, was a strong-willed but fun-loving person.

"She's the life of the party, even if the party is among three desks sitting in the annex," he said.

Cox recognized the retirement of Roaden, a teacher for the Corbin Education Center.

"He's a big man with a big heart. He took care of kids that other kids had trouble with," Supt. Cox explained, stating that the kids could forget their problems existed after Roaden took them under his wing.

"Bo found a way to get to those kids. I have a special place in my heart for Bo," added Cox.

Supt. Cox continued with the retirement ceremony by celebrating Bowling, the main secretary for the superintendent.

"She's been with Corbin for 30 years," Cox stated, "I treat her like family, and she's a dear friend."

Cox continued on to talk about Wilson, the Infinite Campus Coordinator for the school district.

"Sandy's greatest talent is she is an expert barber," Cox joked about how she began cutting his hair after his barbershop closed due to Covid-19 lockdowns. "She's a lady of many talents."

He then went on to recognize Ellison, an Instruction Monitor at the Corbin Education Center, explaining how her dedication to the students were unmatched.

"She was one of the most loyal and dedicated employees I've ever worked with," Cox said. "Her main focus has always been the students at CEC."

Cox continued by honoring Principal Jewell, who also coached for the football team.

"I consider him to be a friend. Uncompromising loyalty, uncompromising ethics, and probably the hardest worker I've ever seen," Cox explained. "We would probably have to hire two people to do the work he does."

Jewell will be retiring with the most wins ever for the Corbin School District.

Cox then recognized Tom Greer, the head football coach that recently announced his retirement.

"One of those guys that whatever you ask him to do, he'll do it," said Cox. He explained that he considers him a good friend and an outstanding football coach. "As a football coach, he was unparalleled."

Greer will be retiring with the highest winning percentage for football.

After Cox said his congratulations to those retiring, Principal Robinson took the microphone to celebrate the only retiring staff member at CMS, Patty "Pud" Smith.

"She's a legend. She could've retired twice — she even had little Tom Greer in class," Robinson joked, adding how her work ethic and dedication to the students was unlike any other educator. "Patty's reach and impact is impossible to quantify. She's a fixture, and losing her is losing a fixture."

The celebration concluded with refreshments and snacks for those attending. Board members then held the regular board meeting, discussing policies and student fees. They approved all, and will be enacting them for the upcoming school year.