On Tuesday, April 15, friends, family, and coworkers of Sharon Vinson, Executive Secretary for the Okeechobee County...
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OKEECHOBEE — On Tuesday, April 15, friends, family, and coworkers of Sharon Vinson, executive secretary for the Okeechobee County School Board, gathered to bid a fond farewell as Sharon sets out on her next big adventure: retirement.
Sharon began her career with Okeechobee County Schools in January of 1994. She has served as a teacher’s aid, office aid, school secretary, administrative secretary, and program specialist for Central Elementary, Yearling Middle School, Instructional Services, Administrative Services and the Okeechobee School Board.
Current Superintendent of Okeechobee Schools Dylan Tedders presented Vinson with a wooden plaque designed especially for her stating, “It was an honor to learn from you, Sharon.”
Okeechobee School Board Chair Jill Holcomb had kind words for Sharon as well: “From the board I wanted to say how much we very much love you, and value you, and appreciate you and you will be missed and we wish you the very best retirement ever. No one deserves it more.” Holcomb went on to say that she believes that Sharon has the most difficult job in our school district because she was the last stop between the angry parents, community members and angry employees before they reach the superintendent. “But no matter what is said or done,” Holcomb said. “I’ve never seen Sharon lose her composure. She is just the most even, steady and professional person in everything she does.”
Former Okeechobee Schools Superintendent Ken Kenworthy was also in attendance for the big event. A somewhat emotional Kenworthy told of how he began his career at Yearling Middle School with Sharon and how impressed he was with how well she handled the constant bombardment she faced in her position there. “It is somebody walking in the door wanting something,” he explained. “The radio saying clean up on aisle 10, phone ringing, fire alarm going off. Didn’t make a difference what it was, she handled it with the grace that only you could imagine but watching her juggle that, boy was I impressed.”
After everyone had shared their funny stories and spoke their praise, Sharon took the floor to say, “Thirty-two years has been absolutely amazing and I thank each and every one of you that has touched my life and made me stay for 32 years. Thank you so much.”
As far as what Sharon plans to do with her retirement she says, “I’m going to relax and enjoy. Spend time with family and friends, plants lots of flowers and just love life.”
