Beloved teachers/staff honored at retirement ceremony

By Editor | May 21, 2025 |

Photos by Shari Harris
Jim Maddox and wife, Sandy, with a resolution honoring his service.

Anita Reed and husband, Brian, after accepting a resolution honoring her years teaching.

Wesley Holmes and wife, Regina, his “superpower” due to her support throughout his years of teaching.

By Shari Harris, Publisher

Three retirees from the Licking R-8 School District were honored for their years of service to the District at a ceremony on Friday, May 16, where they were presented with resolutions from Representative Bennie Cook and the Missouri State Legislature. Bus driver and maintenance man Jim Maddox retired on December 24, 2024, and teachers Anita Reed and Wesley Holmes will retire effective June 30, 2025.

Jim Maddox was described at the event as having a God-given gift for caring for kids. His peers stated he was a good male role model for students, and was good at connecting with kids who had a hard time building relationships with people. Many commented on his ability to connect with students.

Anita Reed is retiring as Title 1 Math Teacher at Licking Elementary School. She has taught for 30 years, with the last seven years in that capacity. Coworkers commented on how much they learned from and enjoyed working with her, with a few even doing their student teaching under her guidance. She was described as a great mentor to other teachers.

Wesley Holmes is retiring after teaching Math and Science at Licking High School for 33 years. Peers commented on his energy and enthusiasm, always looking out for kids and finding ways to engage them. He was described as an all-time great teacher – a “Doc Hatch type of teacher.”

Mr. Holmes responded to the teachers and staff gathered at the ceremony, thanking the hundreds of young people who have been his students, his colleagues for their inspiration and friendship, and the administrators and support staff. He also thanked his wife, Regina, whom he referred to as his “secret superpower as a teacher.”

Receiving pins at the ceremony for their years of service to the District were: for 25 years of service – Chrissy Medlock; for 20 years of service – Connie Hebblethwaite, Michelle Meizler and Melissa Miller; for 15 years of service – Jaime Tripp and Mickey Wilson; for 10 years of service – Tammy Cooper, Faith Sullins, Ginger Smith, Brandi Smith and Haley Godi; and for five years of service – Abram Moon, Callie Smith, Clay Brown, Kimberly Hurt, Michelle Jackson, Patricia Ingram and Kandace Liveoak.