Every year, Rockingham County Public Schools celebrates the dedicated educators and staff who have devoted their careers to serving our students, families, and community. For the past two years, alongside heartfelt recognition and warm goodbyes, retirees received something special made by the very students they’ve impacted during their time in our schools.
Each retiree was gifted a handmade wooden cutting board, crafted with care by students at Rockingham Academy, our alternative education school. Under the guidance of Don Rhodes, students in the school’s ag program designed, cut, shaped, and finished each board by hand.
"Our students gained more than just woodworking skills," Rhodes explains. "They learned the value of craftsmanship, collaboration and creating with purpose. Knowing their work would honor RCPS retirees gave these cutting boards deeper meaning. Projects like these show how hands-on learning can make short and long term connections and instill pride in making something that truly matters!"
The recipients of these handcrafted gifts represent the full spectrum of school life, from classroom teachers who shaped young minds to the often-unsung heroes who kept schools running behind the scenes. Each cutting board tells a story not just of the student who made it, but of the retiring professional who dedicated years to serving others.
Among this year's retirees is Darrell Zook from Broadway High School, whose 22-year journey as a science teacher and 13-year tenure as cross country coach exemplifies the deep relationships that define great educators. "It has been a joy and privilege to serve," Zook reflects. "I have been blessed with great administrators and colleagues who truly want to serve the students and their needs in the classroom. What I have cherished the most are the relationships I have built with my colleagues, students and athletes. It was an unforgettable blessing in my life."
While teachers like Zook shaped minds in the classroom, other retirees made their mark in equally important but less visible ways. Among them are the bus drivers whose impact extends far beyond simply providing transportation.
"Bus drivers are often the first face representing the school system that students see in the morning and typically the last face they see in the evening," explains Chris Sours, Director of Transportation. "They have the ability to leave a positive impact on so many students' lives."
The significance of these daily interactions cannot be overstated. Many drivers serve students throughout their entire K-12 journey, becoming familiar faces during some of life's most formative years. "Many drivers drive their students for much of their formative years, and they often leave a lasting impression on the students which sticks with the students throughout their lives," Sours notes.
The reach of this impact extends across generations. "I've had many adult individuals presently working in our school system tell me how much their bus drivers meant to them when they were going through their school years," Sours shares. "So many of our bus drivers, especially our retirees, have been performing this fantastic job for so many years that they have driven multiple generations of students, ultimately leaving a lasting impression on an abundance of families."
The daily reality of school transportation reveals the dedication required of these professionals. Managing a bus filled with 50 to 70 students while navigating variable road conditions and hazards requires exceptional skill and patience. "It can be a very difficult task to focus on all of the variable road conditions and hazards out there on our county roads while simultaneously trying to maintain order and manage student behavior," Sours acknowledges.
Despite these challenges, retiring bus drivers approached their responsibilities with unwavering commitment. "The job of a school bus driver is often a 'thankless one' in which people sometimes take for granted all of the hard work they actually do day in and day out," Sours observes. "And yet our drivers take this task on each and every day."
The 2024-2025 retirees represent every corner of the school experience. Alongside classroom teachers and bus drivers, the group includes social workers who supported families through challenges, school nutrition professionals who served with care, and office staff who kept schools running smoothly. From early morning bus routes to final bell farewells, these individuals have been the steady presence that makes education possible.
As Rockingham County Public Schools extends heartfelt thanks to this year's retirees, the message is clear: "Your service has made our schools stronger and our students' lives brighter. We wish you rest, joy, and new adventures in retirement. As you turn the page to a new chapter, carry with you a piece of the future, the craftsmanship and care of the students you helped shape."
In workshops and classrooms, on bus routes and in cafeterias, the legacy of service continues, one student, one day, one carefully crafted gesture at a time.
A list of all retirees recognized during the the RCPS Retiree Reception. 2024-2025 RCPSRetirees