District honors seven retirees at May 8 event

The Clinton Public School District on Tuesday, May 8, will honor seven employees retiring from Clinton schools and departments.

“It’s been a joy and a privilege working with these outstanding educators,” said Dr. Tim Martin, superintendent. “Through the years, they have touched the lives of thousands of students, and their contributions to our community cannot be measured.”

The reception will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 8 at the Central Office Cafeteria, 201 Easthaven Drive in Clinton.

The 2008-09 retirees are:

• Tammy Gooden, teacher, Northside Elementary

Gooden has worked for Northside Elementary for 28 years, where she taught third grade for 20 years and second grade for eight years.

She and her husband Isaac Gooden Jr. have one son, Isaac “Trey” Gooden III, a 2015 graduate of Clinton High School. Their daughter Tammera graduates from CHS this spring.

She is a member of Tabernacle of Praise Baptist Church where she is the Youth Group instructor and a member of the praise team and choir.

“After retirement I plan to relax for a while,” she said. “I also have plans to visit my brother who is stationed in Germany. I know that I will be involved in something associated with education because it’s my calling. Once a teacher, always a teacher. Arrows for life!”

• Terry Harris, Director, Transportation Department 

Harris has worked in the Clinton Public School District more than 26 years. He began his career as a police officer with the city of Clinton in 1991 and served as the district’s D.A.R.E. officer for more than 17 years before transitioning to his current position as Transportation Department director.

He has worked tirelessly over the years to ensure that students arrive to and from school safely. He is thankful for the many people who contributed to his success, including family, friends and co-workers.

He is married to Sharon Harris and they have two children, Terrence and Myia. He is deeply devoted to family and friends. He attends Greater Pearlie Grove Baptist Church where he serves as deacon, Sunday school teacher and works on the security ministry. He enjoys hunting, riding his motorcycle and spending time with family and friends. After retirement he plans to continue dedicating his services to others.

• Pam Price, teacher, Clinton Park Elementary 

Price has been a teacher for 26 years. She is married to Edwin Price and they have two children, Nikki and Louis.

“I started teaching preschool at First Baptist Church in Clinton with a wonderful mentor, Mrs. Wilda Buckley,” she said. “I then went to Richland Elementary where I taught as an interventionist, kindergarten and first grade teacher for a combined 10 years. I have taught at Clinton Park Elementary for 16 years.”

Several years at Clinton Park were devoted to teaching first grade, but most were spent as a kindergarten teacher.

After retirement she plans to continue giving back to the community and continuing to nurture children by rocking and comforting babies at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

• Elizabeth Shepherd, counselor, Northside Elementary 

Shepherd has worked in education for 25 years, including the past six years at Northside. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in school counseling. She is a National Board Certified Counselor.

She and her husband Walt have been married nearly 25 years and have three children. They live in Flora and attend First Baptist Church of Flora.

“After retirement I will be joining my husband and our oldest son to help our family businesses which include Tri County Janitorial Services, WS Farms and WS Wildlife Management,” she said.

• Robert Stewart, teacher, Clinton High School 

Stewart worked in Jackson Public Schools for 35 years and has worked in the Clinton Public School District for seven years. He is married to Evette Stewart.

• Linda White, teacher, Clinton Junior High School 

White worked in the science field for 20 years and “it was never like a job, but a daily learning experience,” she said. After retirement, she felt a calling to teach, went to graduate school and earned a master’s degree in education.

“I found teaching to be the most exciting adventure I have ever been on,” she said. “The students became my daily conversation with my husband about their antics, their respect, their obstinance, their attitudes and most importantly, their resilience and affection that was so freely given.”

Among her memories was the unique opportunity to take a group of four students to the Math and Science Regionals. The group won regionals and went to national competition in Golden, Colo., where they placed eighth in the country. They received a Senate resolution about the trip.

“I am so thankful to (former CJHS Principal) Anthony Goins who gave me a chance, considering I knew nothing about teaching,” she said. “I have loved every moment of every day in this school. It has been such a ride.”

After retirement, she plans to spend more time with her mother and visit her daughter and granddaughters in Maryland.

“I have wonderful flower beds that would just love for me to have all the time in the world to work in them,” she said. “Last but certainly not least, I will be able to travel with Danny on his shows. I waited 40 years for my high school sweetheart and I can’t wait to share more time together.”

Bio information is not available for Pamela Butler, who retired from the Child Nutrition Department.