On Tuesday, Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District hosted the annual Retiree Luncheon to honor sixteen staff members who are retiring after the 2025-2026 school year. The event was sponsored by district Partner in Excellence, Community Bank of Starkville.
Superintendent Dr. Tony McGee, SOCSD Board of Trustees President Sumner Davis and Community Bank staff members spoke to retirees during the luncheon held at Harveys Bulldog Boardroom. In addition to a plaque honoring their service, employees received a gift bag from bank sponsors.
This year's retiring employees have more than 300 years of combined service to the Yellow Jacket family across various school campuses as well as our Child Nutrition and Transportation departments.
Click to visit our photo gallery of the 2026 Retiree Luncheon
Board president Sumner Davis shared the board's appreciation for their dedication.
"Whether you have served as teacher in the classroom or a school resource officer, cafeteria worker or bus driver, you have all contributed to helping our students learn," he said. "More than that, the resilience you have shown through your time with the district is a great example to our students and community."
Davis commented on how this group of staff members has served well through many changes in the district and community, from construction of a new school and adoption of a modified calendar to the challenges presented by the Covid pandemic. He praised the teachers for their creativity and flexibility during that time as well as how cafeteria staff and bus drivers worked hard to provide meals for students even though school was not open for in-person learning.
Superintendent Dr. Tony McGee echoed the Board President as he congratulated the staff members for a job well done.
"Public education is a primary driving force for successful communities," McGee said. "Your service to our district and our families has helped us achieve a lot of success over the years, and it has made a huge difference for our community."
Karen Dickey, Hailey OBryant and Robert Dienelt attended the luncheon on behalf of Community Bank and shared the organization's pride at being able to honor the work of retiring staff.
"We are very proud of all your accomplishments," said Dickey, who serves as the Community Bank Chief Administrations Officer for the North Region. "We want you to know that we are here to support you and to support the district. We honor you for the service you have made to the community through your work with our schools."
