South Habersham Middle School Principal Daphne Penick is retiring at the end of this school year. County school superintendent Patrick Franklin announced her pending departure at Monday’s Board of Education meeting. Franklin praised Penick for her years of service and dedication to the school.
“She started her career as a
teacher at South Habersham Middle School. She worked as a counselor there. As an assistant principal. Now, as principal, all in the same school building,” he said. “So when you say someone lives and breathes South Habersham, it’s Daphne Penick.”
Franklin recalled “the joy” of working with Penick when she taught. “She was my supervisor, now I’m hers; we’ve gone through a lot of things together,” he added, calling it “a privilege” to work with her.
“You’re going to be missed, but you’ve done some amazing work there, so thank you,” he said, hugging Penick. The audience and board members gave Penick a standing ovation. She will remain on the job through the end of this school year.
Other system retirements
During the meeting, Superintendent Franklin also recognized five other employees who are retiring. They include Habersham Central High School teacher Lisa Barrett, Baldwin Elementary School teacher Yvonne Hefner, Cornelia Elementary School kindergarten teacher Brenda McAllister, Demorest Elementary School ESOL teacher Linda Jameson, and Fairview Elementary School 5th-grade teacher Holly Perry.
“I want to thank all these folks for their service and loyalty and their hard work in our school system for our students,” Franklin said.
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