The St. Clairsville-Richland City School District Board of Education members pose for a photo with faculty members recognized for their accomplishments during Wednesday’s meeting. Pictured in the front row, from left, are Justin Schwertfeger, Kim Clifford, Rebecca Schwertfeger and Kerry Shepherd. In the back row, from left, are board members William Zanders, Michael Fador, Michael Jacob, Pam Jones and James Cook. T-L Photo/CARRI GRAHAM

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — After more than 50 years working in the St. Clairsville Richland City School District as a teacher and then a member of the board of education, Pam Jones is officially retired.

The board of education recognized Jones for her 15 years serving on the board during Wednesday’s meeting. In addition to kind words from various faculty members and board members, the high school’s vocal music group, Sweet Harmony, sang a couple songs for her before they returned to class.

Jones was moved to tears by the faculty and board’s words and gestures on her last day.

“I’ve been so honored to be a member of this district for 51 years, and I said never say, ‘never ever.’ I said I would never run for the board and I think that lasted two years after I retired. … I’m so glad I’m leaving the district in such wonderful hands of you all,” she said.

Jones spoke about some of the policies and grants she helped secure in the district including upgrades to campus security and the elementary building improvement project.

“My one area of discontent is that we didn’t pass the levy, and I’m hoping that can come to fruition very soon, because I hope people know how badly we need to upgrade our buildings,” she said.

Jones wished fellow board members and faculty continued success in the district. She then welcomed Judge Harry White who will fill her seat in January.

Following the meeting, board members and administrators presented Jones with a bench inscribed with “Board of Education 2006-2021 – Thank You for Making a Difference.” Superintendent Walter Skaggs said they all pitched in to purchase the gift. He said it was a memento to remember her time on the board.

During the meeting, the board also recognized four other members of faculty for their accomplishments including Kim Clifford, Kerry Shepherd, Rebecca Schwertfeger, and Justin Schwertfeger.

Clifford, a basketball coach for the high school, is the 2022 recipient of the OHSAA Naismith Meritorious Service Award which is presented to a coach or player in basketball that exemplifies the values of “honor, respect and integrity” in the sport. The award will be presented to him during next year’s OHSAA State Basketball Tournament in Dayton, Ohio. He served as the school’s basketball coach for 27 years where he earned multiple honors during his time at the school.

Shepherd, the school’s nurse, was recognized for her work in the district throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Shepherd was presented a certificate for her dedication to the students and staff amid the pandemic.

“Your efforts are appreciated and didn’t go unnoticed,” Skaggs said.

Rebecca Schwertfeger, an English teacher, was recognized for her involvement in the school’s Veterans Day assembly. She started the Wall of Honor two years ago; this year she collected more than 400 photos of local veterans and posted them all along the walls of the school to honor those who have served in the military. She was also presented a certificate for her hard work for the program.

Justin Schwertfeger, band director, was recognized for the school’s marching band making it to the Bands of America Grand National Championship for the first time in school history. The band performed a medley of tunes last month at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis which students called an “amazing experience.”