(L-R) Vivian Walters, Francis Dennison, and Jean Norwood. photo bubmitted On Thursday, May 25, family, friends, and co-workers gathered in the Sweet Water High School Cafeteria for a special tea to honor the retirees of 2006. Retirees honored were Vivian Walters, Francis Dennison, and Jean Norwood.

Luke Hallmark, Superintendent of Marengo County Schools expressed words of congratulations to the retirees. He congratulated Vivian Walters for 30 years of service, Francis Dennison for 23 years of service, and Jean Norwood for 29 years of service.

Vivian Walters began her educational experience at Sweet Water High School where she returned for employment after graduating from the University of West Alabama. She taught kindergarten through fourth grade during her tenure as an elementary teacher. When asked "what grade she enjoyed working with the most?" Vivian responded very quickly by saying kindergarten was special to her heart. "Working with children of this age gave me an opportunity to observe and monitor their progress. In utilizing the ARFI program implemented by Sweet Water Elementary Department proved to be a very good resource in my classroom. "My kindergarteners were reading the second semester and that was a major accomplishment."

During her employment, she worked under the helm of three superintendents: Fred Ramsey, Marcus Walters, and Luke Hallmark, six principles: Dock Harper, Marcus Walters, Sid Atkins, Anna McManus, Mark Davis, and Stan Stokley. She also worked with several assistant principals at Sweet Water High School.

Jean Norwood began her teaching career as a substitute teacher in the Linden City System. She received a bachelor degree from Alabama A&M University a master degree in elementary education from the University of West Alabama. During her 29 years as a teacher, she taught in many areas. She taught subjects in grades K9 and physical education. Norwood worked under three superintendents, six principals and five assistant principals at Marengo High School and Sweet Water High School.

Francis Dennison started her career as a substitute worker in the cafeteria. Upon the retirement of Joyce Daniels, she accepted the position of cafeteria manager and worked for 23 years at Sweet Water High School. Mrs. Dennison was one of the first to arrive in the morning. She planned meals for breakfast, lunch and even meals for the athletes during the football season. She assisted with the annual athletic banquet, SOA Induction dinner, and retirement festivities. She gave freely of her time, which was not a part of her job description. Upon her retirement, she was under the administration of Luke Hallmark, Superintendent; Stan Stokley, Principal and Mike Bedsole, Assistant Principal. She also worked under Child Nutrition Supervisors Ronald Tucker for 22 years and concluded this year with Chris Tangle

As a tradition, each of the retiree was presented with a gift from the faculty and administrators. Stan Stokley presented each with a framed retirement certificate. He encouraged them to consider doing some of the things they enjoy doing but never seemed to have the time. The program concluded with additional gifts presented by co-workers family and friends.