During the Sixteenth Annual Virginia Association of Federal Education Program Administrators (VAFEPA) 13 retirees were recognized. The educational contributions of a former colleague – Jack Davis, Title I, Program Coordinator for Buchanan County commenced the celebration. In memory of the late Jack Davis, former Title I Coordinator for Buchanan County, the following words of Margaret Mead were offered….

“Man’s most human characteristics is not his ability to learn, which he shares with many other species, but his ability to teach and store what others have developed and taught him”.

As previously indicated, VAFEPA recognized 13 retired federal program coordinators for their combined years in education totaling 453! Of that number, 220 years were devoted to administering federal programs.

It was only appropriate to reference the words of the president who signed the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), Lyndon Baines Johnson, amended as the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB).

“At the desk where I sit I have learned one great truth. The answer for all our national problems – the answer for all the problems of the world – comes down to a single word. That word is “education”.

The classroom – not the trench – is the frontier of freedom now and forever more”.

John Ball, the only retiree able to be present, was recognized last on behalf of all retirees. With the exception of Mecklenburg County, recognitions were made in alphabetical order by school divisions.

Chesapeake City Public Schools - Rita Lopane
Fluvanna County Public Schools - Alan Cooke
Galax City Public Schools - Ray Bedsaul
Gloucester County - Dr. Rita-Anne Bigalow
Hampton City Public Schools - Dr. Mildred Sexton
Northampton County Public Schools - Diane Gladstone
Page County Public Schools - Colleen Shuda
Pittsylvania County Public Schools - Dr. Shirley Terry
Pittsylvania County Public Schools - Herphine Bryant
Powhatan County Public Schools - Dr. William “Bill Craig
Prince Edwards Co. Public Schools - Natialy Walker
Spotsylvania County Public Schools - Edlow Baker
Mecklenburg County Public Schools - John Ball

Colleagues offered the following words of praise…… “John Ball was a loyal and dedicated professional to Mecklenburg County Public Schools for 28 years. He spent countless hours learning policies and was very good at explaining their meanings. As Testing Director (one of the many hats her wore), he was often referred to as the ‘King of Calmness’ which was very helpful for those around him in panic modes. Many individuals thought of him as a mentor and friend. He was never too busy to share information, give advice, or just listen if you needed to talk. There is no need to count the number of years he spent in education (52), it is more important to count the number of people whose lives he touched.”

Roars of applause were delivered in tribute to all.