Active and retired educators in the Chilton County Education Association gathered at LeCroy Career Technical Center on Thursday for a tea honoring new retirees of the Chilton County School System.

Chilton County ESP President Annie Roberts read certificates for the following 17 retirees: James Allison, custodian, Thorsby; Minnie Allison, custodian, Jemison Elementary; Sherry Burcham, teacher, Jemison Middle; Casandra “Sandy” Chadwick, cafeteria manager, Isabella; Lucinda Champion, counselor, Verbena; Dennis Cobb, principal, Clanton Intermediate; Sandra “Sandy” Collins, bookkeeper, Thorsby; Brenda Godbold, counselor, Jemison Elementary; Reta Littlejohn, secretary/bookkeeper, LeCroy Career Technical Center; Nancy Maners, teacher, LeCroy Career Technical Center; Mary Ellen McCord, librarian, Chilton County High and Thorsby; Regina McGuire, cafeteria manager, Clanton Middle; Sheri McKee, teacher, Chilton County High; Sherry Minor, teacher, Clanton Intermediate; Nancy Sewell, teacher/bus driver, Jemison Middle; Donna Tillery, bookkeeper, Jemison Middle; and Saleta Williams, teacher, Clanton Intermediate.

CCEA President Jacqueline Sullivan said the annual tea has been held for nearly 15 years to show appreciation for local educators’ service to students in the county.

“I wish we could do more for those who do more,” District 18 UniServ Director Carolyn Abrams said as she commended the retirees for their dedication to education.

Sullivan said CCEA is comprised of about 485 members who meet periodically, participate in politics related to education and support local charity drives such as Toys For Kids.

“We meet at least three times a year,” Sullivan said. “Sometimes, we are called to Montgomery to lobby to protect our investments or rights.”