Debbie Young was named the 2021-22 Educator of the Year for the Junior High/High School Building at the junior high/high school awards assembly May 11. Donnie Parsons read the following, written by Dr. Sickels.

“For the past 11 years, Debbie Young has been the backbone of our school district. While she is ‘behind the scenes’ in her role as the bookkeeper, her contributions to keeping this school district running smoothly is unquestionable. She cares deeply about the school, and works countless hours past her contracted time to ensure the finances are correct, the bills are paid, and most importantly to many of us in the gym, our paychecks are deposited in the bank each month! In addition to all of those duties, she has the challenging role of dealing with and keeping Dr. Sickels in line. From just that description alone, you understand how important Mrs. Young is to our school district.

“Debbie and her husband Greg have lived in the Rock Port community 27 years. She is the proud parent of two Blue Jay alumni . . . Rachel, who graduated in 2010, and Tyler, who graduated in 2013.

“Debbie is retiring this summer from her full-time bookkeeping position. Greg and Debbie look forward to relaxing, having longer weekends for camping, and traveling somewhere warmer during the winter. While we are excited for her, there is no doubt she will be missed. Mrs. Young is one of those people that is truly impossible to replace, and we are forever indebted to her for her service to our school district.”

Stacy Hughes was named Outstanding Educator of the Year for the 2021-2022 school year at the elementary awards assembly May 12. The award was presented by Leigh Ann Lawrence.

“I will keep my speech short and sweet just like the educator that is receiving the award.

“As I began writing this speech I thought back to my first remembrances of this educator. We grew up together in Fairfax, in the same neighborhood, a few houses apart. Throughout our elementary years we spent countless hours together: at my house, at her house, riding bikes, playing baseball and kickball in Fred’s empty lot, and having sleepovers, to name a few of the things we did together. There were several kids in our neighborhood, including a cute boy that lived two houses away from both of us. He often joined in on our neighborhood shenanigans.

“During her sixth grade year she transferred to Tarkio where she continued her school career, graduating in 1987. After high school she continued her educational career by attending Northwest Missouri State University, in Maryville, where she earned her degrees in early childhood education and elementary education. GO BEARCATS!

“She began her teaching career in kindergarten, at Rock Port, and has been there for 31 fabulous years. Her dedication to her career is remarkable and an amazing accomplishment!! A few highlights throughout her years at Rock Port: she got married (to the cute boy from our neighborhood), earned her masters degree, had baby boy #1, and then baby boy #2. Her first 29 years her coworker was Marty Farley and the last 2 years she has had to put up with me as a coworker. I have to say that these last 2 years have been an incredible experience for me, not only did I get to return to teaching kindergarten, but I have been able to spend them teaching with her.

“We have had the best time teaching and learning together, laughing and crying, finishing each other’s sentences, making the exact same comments simultaneously, laughing some more, and watching our families grow.

“She is very passionate about education and her students, whether current or past. She has always strived to do her best for herself and her students. If you follow her on Facebook you have been able to see pictures and posts as she reviews her 31 years of students and coworkers. Fun memories!

“As I conclude my speech I realize that there have been very few years in my life that she has not been part of my life as a friend or coworker. I hope that all of you have someone that is or will be as great a friend as I have in her.”

Rock Port retirees

While Sue Owen officially retired from Rock Port R-II in 2008, she has worked in a part-time capacity the past 14 years as a Speech Implementer.  This marks her 49th year in education, with 39 of those as a Blue Jay.

Valeria Grossman is retiring after working 39 years for the Rock Port R-II School District as a custodian.

Debbie Sly (not pictured) is also retiring after working 11 years for the Rock Port R-II School District in both food service and custodial positions.