FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Magnolia School District Closes Out the Year with a Celebration of Excellence and Dedication
Magnolia, AR — June 4, 2025 — The Magnolia School District wrapped up the 2024–2025 school year with a joyful and heartfelt End of Year Celebration, honoring the outstanding contributions of staff across the district. Held in a spirit of appreciation and unity, the event highlighted a year of hard work, dedication, and success.
During the celebration, seven esteemed retirees were recognized for their years of service and commitment to the students and community of Magnolia. Retiring this year are Mercedes Pittman, Magnolia High School Spanish Teacher, Kelly Ribble, Magnolia Middle School counselor, Cindy Harrell, Magnolia Middle School Social Studies Teacher, Jana Terry, Eastside Elementary School Media Specialist, Vanessa Banks, Walker Pre-K Secretary, Lawanda Gail Robinson, Eastside Elementary Paraprofessional, and Janet Rich, Magnolia Middle School Counselors Secretary.
In addition, the district honored seven staff members with 25 years of service and seven additional individuals with 30 or more years of service—a true testament to their lasting impact on generations of learners. Those staff who have reached the 25 years of service milestone are Terry Sanders, Magnolia High School Assistant Principal, Judy Barham, Eastside Elementary School counselor, Glenda Smith, Magnolia Middle School Assistant Principal, Angela Watson, Eastside Elementary School Dyslexia Interventionist, Becky White, Central Elementary School Assistant Principal, Ashley Hagaman, Central Elementary School Classroom Teacher, and Michael O’Dell Eastside Elementary School Dean of Students and Varsity Boys Track Coach.
Those staff who have reached the 30 years of service milestone include Sherrill Stockwell, Eastside Elementary School Classroom Teacher, Mincha Trower, Food Service, Rhonda Wooldridge, Eastside Elementary School Dyslexia Interventionist, Terry Hanson, Transportation, Kathleen Dingman, Central Elementary School Special Education Teacher, Terry Hudman, Central Elementary School Dyslexia Interventionist, and Cindy Harrell, Magnolia Middle School Classroom Teacher.
Academic excellence was also celebrated as the district awarded its five Campus Teachers of the Year, and the 2025 Magnolia School District Teacher of the Year, with plaques to commemorate this milestone in their teaching careers. These educators exemplify the heart of teaching and the district’s mission---“All Belong. All Learn. All Succeed.” Campus Teachers of the year are Nadia Green, Walker Pre-Kindergarten Teacher of the Year, Cait Light, Eastside Elementary School Teacher of the Year, Marty Wilson, Central Elementary School and Magnolia School District Teacher of the Year, Kelly Ribble, Magnolia Middle School Teacher of the Year, and Angela Vann, Magnolia High School Teacher of the Year.
Mrs. Bonne Hardwell, was also awarded a plaque to commemorate her being the first recipient of the Magnolia School District Support Staff Member of the Year, celebrating her kindness, exceptional service, and unwavering support of daily operations across schools.
The LEARNS Act (Act 237 of 2023) established the Merit Teacher Incentive Fund Program—known as Merit Pay—to recognize and reward Arkansas’ most exceptional educators. This visionary program aims to retain high-performing teachers in classrooms, boost recruitment efforts, and support educators serving in priority roles such as mentors and critical shortage areas. We are proud to announce that 17 of our dedicated teachers in Magnolia School District have been honored with Merit Pay bonuses this year, highlighting their extraordinary commitment to student growth and the teaching profession.
The 17 teachers to receive merit pay include Joni Bonds, Angela Bynum, Denelle Edington, Samantha Guzman, Maggie Laigaie, Angel Lowe, Aaron Nelson, Mary Plunkett, Glenn Wooton, Michael Youngblood, Laura Camp, Alisha Goodner, Carlee Lindsey, Katie Herren, Melissa Rowe, Lee Ketchum, Stacy Garcia.
The afternoon was filled with laughter, reflection, and celebration—closing the school year on a high note and setting the stage for continued success in the year ahead. Magnolia Schools resume for the 2025-2026 school year on July 24, 2025!