RCPS honors retiring school employees

By Debbie Adams

Roanoke County Public Schools hosted their annual banquet for retiring employees on May 7.
Superintendent Dr. Ken Nicely joined School Board members in thanking each retiree in
attendance for their years of service and their dedication to teaching and supporting education. In
total, 58 employees are retiring, representing more than 1,275 years of service.

Several faculty and staff members from Vinton-area schools were recognized: Tara Jones
(Bonsack), Karen Coy (Mount Pleasant), Robin Merchant (W.E. Cundiff), Susan Holdren
(William Byrd Middle School), and David Mitchell, Suzanne Spruell, and Carol Webster from
William Byrd High School.

Tara Jones has been teaching in Roanoke County Public Schools for 22 years—one year at
Roland E. Cook when it was an Alternative School and 21 years at Bonsack Elementary. She
spent nine years in Roanoke City prior to that. She has been a second grade teacher this past
year.

“I was hired at Bonsack by my former teacher, Dr. Kagey,” Jones says. “I have taught all grades,
K-8, with the exception of 5th grade.  I have enjoyed most things about my job, especially the
lifelong relationships I have built with my co-workers and students.  My favorite thing I taught was Virginia Studies in fourth grade.

My retirement plans include some travelling, spending time
with my family, doing more volunteer work through my church, and substitute teaching.”
Bonsack Principal Leanne Leftwich said, “Mrs. Jones has touched numerous lives through the
years she has taught.”

Karen Coy has been teaching for 16 years. She started with Central Middle School, teaching
Science 8 and English 6, and was a co-teacher in sixth grade math, eighth grade history, and
eighth grade English. She then moved to Mount Pleasant Elementary where she taught first,
third, and fourth grades before accepting the Title I teacher position.

“My greatest joy is watching the students grow and conquer hard concepts,” Coy said.  “The best
part about MPE is the students—and the friends I have made at school.  My retirement plans are
to spend time with my husband, grandchildren, and family, and travel.”

“Karen Coy is a dedicated educator,” says Mount Pleasant Principal Jill Lane. “She has been in
several roles in her time here at MPE. Karen is always willing to go above and beyond to ensure
our students have opportunities and success.”

Susan Holdren has been a nutrition associate with Roanoke County Schools for 22 years—since
1989. She started working as a substitute nutrition worker at W.E. Cundiff Elementary and then
moved to William Byrd Middle School in 2002.

Holdren says she has enjoyed her years working at WBMS. She enjoys “the people and talking
to them.” She also loves “feeding the kids.”  Her plans in retirement are to take care of her sister,
Linda, after she has her knee surgery.  She is also planning to work part-time.

“Susie has been an impactful member of our staff,” said WBMS Principal Evan Noell. “Beyond
the work she does in the cafeteria, she can be found greeting students at the buses each and every
day (regardless of the weather).  Her energy and outlook on life are infectious.  As our students
would say, Miss Susie is a legend!”

Robin Merchant has been an instructional associate for 18 years. She is retiring from W.E.
Cundiff Elementary School as a Special Education instructional assistant.

“I have most enjoyed watching my students grow and become more successful in school with
each passing year!” Merchant says. “The time has come for my husband and me to enjoy life
together. There will be more time for travel to family, home projects, hobbies, relaxing on our
three porches and some subbing at school! I won’t leave the Cundiff team totally and I am
excited to see the new school renovation project!”

“Robin Merchant has been a devoted Instructional Assistant at W.E. Cundiff Elementary School for many years!” said Principal Ashley McCallum.  “We appreciate everything that she has done to support the students and staff at WEC and will miss her greatly! We wish nothing but the best for Robin as she embarks on this next adventure in her life – retirement!”

David Mitchell is retiring from William Byrd High School.

“I have been in Roanoke County Public Schools for 18 of my 38 years in education,” Mitchell
noted. “At William Byrd, I started out in Special Education, then driver education (when it was a
semester course) and the past 14 years in 10th grade health, physical education and driver
education.  I also coached middle school and varsity baseball for eight years.

“It has been a blessing to teach and coach in such a close-knit community who supports William
Byrd High School.  The staff and students are the best.

“Upon retirement, I will spend a little more time working at my business (Putt-Putt Fun Center).
I have worked there since I was 15 years old. I also want to play more Pickleball and, of course,
spend more time with my wife.”

Suzanne Spruell is also retiring from WBHS. She has been a librarian for 30 years, 28 of them
in Roanoke County. She worked at Glen Cove Elementary for 10 years and then for 18 years at
WBHS.

Carol Webster has been teaching for over 40 years. In the mid-1980s, she was the youngest
Academic/Financial Aid Dean for National Business College. Finding her passion for
education, Carol returned to her alma mater and picked up her teaching endorsement in the areas
of English 6-12 and Theatre Arts K-12. Upon finishing her student teaching at Glenvar High
School, she was immediately hired by Roanoke County to complete a teacher’s pregnancy leave
of absence. She was teaching in the same high school she graduated from and where her father
was still teaching—Northside High School.

Due to Roanoke County Public Schools’ hiring freeze, she accepted a job at neighboring
Franklin County High School to teach ninth grade English and theatre arts, and in the summers,
she taught theatre and creative writing for Roanoke County's gifted program.

After three years, a marriage and a newborn, she transferred to Roanoke County Public Schools
in 1991. This time, she came to William Byrd High School, where she has remained for 33 years,
and shared 13 years teaching at the Burton Center for Arts and Technology (BCAT) as the
director for the Center for Performing Arts.

Webster has taught English 9, 10, 11, 12, creative writing, speech, Theatre Arts I-IV, and created
a new course for the Commonwealth of Virginia and Roanoke County Schools—Service
Learning Leadership. Students worked in the community with student-created and -led service
projects including Relay for Life, blood drives, TAP programs for literacy, Wolf Creek
Revitalization, and so much more. She has directed approximately 200 productions and overseen
the creation of several student-made films.

In 2012, Webster was named Region VI Teacher of the Year—the first Roanoke County teacher
to be so designated.

After 40 years in public education, Carol will now be doing private home instruction. She will
continue to share her love for local and Virginia history, genealogy, writing, filmmaking, and
theatre with members of the community.

“Carol Webster has led the Center for Performing Arts at BCAT for many years, directing
excellent shows and guiding students to improve their talents as they pursued their passion for
performing arts as high schoolers,” said BCAT Principal Christian Kish. “The BCAT family
wishes her well as she enjoys the well-deserved fruits of all her efforts. We hope the next chapter
is filled with fun and relaxation.”

“David Mitchell, Suzanne Spruell, and Carol Webster have inspired and shaped countless minds
throughout their remarkable careers,” said WBHS Principal Tammy Newcomb. “As they retire,
their legacy of dedication, passion, and impact will forever be cherished and remembered by
students, colleagues, and the William Byrd community.”