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Many people dedicate their personal and professional lives to the education of others. 

At Rose Mary C. Brooks Place in Winchester, residents who have done so were honored recently. 

On the morning of Friday, April 18, eight retired residents with a background in education and working with schools were honored in the dining room during a special breakfast. 

“We were kind of amazed when we looked and saw how many former teachers, bus drivers, [and others] who have really made a contribution,” said Tim Janes, executive director at Rose Mary C. Brooks Place. “We just wanted to kind of honor that and pay respect to you for your dedication and service…because it is important.” 

Eight different residents at Brooks Place – Betty Curtis, Betty Snowden, Carolyn Davis, Madelyn Bentley, Mary Martin, Nancy Chenault-Vanbree, Norma Gough and Stanley Horton – were recognized. 

Joyce Asbury and Shirley Watson are also recognized, though neither could attend the ceremony.

After each recipient was announced by Janes, Christi Bush – director of community schools initiative for Clark County Public Schools – presented them with a certificate of recognition. 

“It is an honor to be here.” Bush said. 

Interestingly, a variety of staff members with different backgrounds were represented. 

For example, while Norma Gough spent seven years as a teacher’s aide at the former Fannie Bush Elementary School, Nancy Chenault-Vanbree worked in elementary education for 37 years. 

Mary Martin, while teaching high school for 12 years in Louisiana, made her impact in Clark County when she developed the guidance counseling program at Conkwright Elementary School and stayed there for 23 years. 

“I think education is the greatest thing in the world,” Martin said. 

Betty Curtis, a well-known face to many in the Clark County Public School system, drove the same bus route in Clark County for approximately 50 years. 

“I enjoyed all my children and they were wonderful children,” Curtis said. “I said, ‘I want you all to know [that] I appreciate you!’. I’d love to drive the bus today!” 

From outside of Clark County, Carolyn Davis was recognized for teaching health, physical education, and also coaching girls basketball in Beattyville up until retirement. 

Bentley was recognized for a 47-year teaching career, while Snowden was a seventh and eighth grade history and literature teacher and Horton taught a few years in Kentucky after much time being spent in Ohio. 

In addition to a certificate of recognition, each recipient was given a bag with several items – including a red t-shirt featuring the phrase ‘GO CARDS!” 

A commemorative photo was then taken on the steps just outside the entrance of the assisted living facility.

“It’s a real blessing,” Janes added. “We’re just so thankful.”