Rusk ISD employees recognized at service banquet

May 27, 2021

by Rusk ISD employees recognized at service banquet

Rusk Teachers of the Year Rusk ISD campuses nominated their choice for the district’s Teacher of the year award, and from there, a district Teacher of the Year was named. Shown, from left are, top row: Jenni Cudd, G.W. Bradford Pri-mary; Jennifer Stanley, Rusk Elementary; and Doug Bayles, Rusk Junior High. Front row, Laeil Pepin, Rusk Intermediate; and Tammy Greene, Rusk High School. Greene also was recognized as the district Teacher of the year during the May 24 ceremony at the Rusk High School. Photo by Jo Anne Embleton

Nearly four dozen Rusk ISD employees were recognized during a May 24 ceremony at the Rusk High School Coliseum for their work with the district.

Each campus elected its nominee for RISD’s Teacher of the Year award, with nominees including Jenni Cudd of G.W. Bradford Primary; Jennifer Stanley, Rusk Elementary; Laeil Pepin, Rusk Intermediate, Doug Bayles, Rusk Junior High; and Tammy Greene, Rusk High School.

The district Teacher of the Year recipient was Tammy Greene.

Additionally, Joe Gunter was named the 2020-21 Bus Driver of the Year during the ceremony.

Also during the ceremony, service awards were given to employees reaching landmark anniversaries with the district.

Awards include: Five-year award – Brandy Austin, Janet Berryhill, Dustin Ferrell, Allan Grey, Joe Gun-ter, George Kirkpatrick, Kara McIntyre, Melinda Morris, Katie Norman, Tabitha Patterson, Becky Pierce, Autumn Shuttlesworth, Leigh Tipton, Jana Todd

10-year award – Elizabeth Dunn, Charlotte Stewart, Molly Strube

15-year award – Andrea Acker, Tammi Arnwine, Amanda Beard, Kathy Blackmon, Judy Britton, Barba-ra Gates, Jessica Gates, Gary Hudson, Sally Padgett, Christy Simpson, Christi Starkey, Glen Wyatt

20-year award – Carol Folkes, Shirley Goldsberry, Jill Hardy

25-year award – John Burkhalter, Melonie Hoffman

30-year award – Shelly Lanier, Darla Moore, Donna Tugwell

Meanwhile, RISD board trustee Britt Patterson, who served from 2006 to 2021, was recognized for his 15-year role on the board. Current board members include President Jake Ocker, vice president Martin Pepin, secretary Montie Sunday, Teresa Phifer, Tracy Session and Nathan Acker.

A handful of individuals retiring this year from the district also were recognized: Sara Beth Massingill, 37 years total with Rusk ISD; Teresa Garner, who spent 16 years with Rusk ISD for a total of 38 years in education; Sherry Furra, who served six years with Rusk ISD, for a total of 24 years in education; and Patricia White, who has a total of six years with Rusk ISD.