The Savannah R3 School District closed out the 2025-2026 school year on May 22 with its annual End-of-Year Celebration in the Performing Arts Center at Savannah High School.
The afternoon brought together employees from across the district for one final gathering before summer break — a chance to celebrate another successful year, recognize retirees and staff award winners, and simply enjoy time together as an SR3 family.
Throughout the week leading up to the event, staff members were treated to lunches catered by several Andrew County businesses thanks to the generosity of local sponsors, including program partners Durham School Services and Lehr Construction, along with support from Shelton Siding and Ellison-Auxier Architects. Community donations and giveaways helped continue a tradition that has become a favorite end-of-year event for district staff.
The celebration, emceed by Savannah Middle School Library Media Specialist and longtime employee Jenna Whittington, included recognition of milestone years of service and honored four retiring staff members for their dedication to SR3 students and families.
Those retirees included:
Natalie Bush, first-grade teacher at Minnie Cline Elementary, retiring after 28 years with the district
Melissa Ross, Savannah High School history teacher, retiring after 20 years
Michael Shuman, Savannah High School custodian, retiring after 6 years
Rebecca Booth, Special Education and Early Learning Center Director, retiring after 14 years with Savannah R3 and concluding a 38-year career in education
The district also presented its 2026 staff awards, made possible through the support of the Savannah R3 Foundation.
Award recipients included:
Excellence in Service — Jenny Steele, Helena Elementary paraeducator
Excellence in Education Runner-Up — Natalie Bush, Minnie Cline Elementary first-grade teacher
Excellence in Education Winner — Amanda Graham, Savannah High School Life Skills teacher
Rookie of the Year — Lilly Vincent, Traveling Elementary Music Teacher
Innovation Award — Juli Higer, Instructional Coach and Mentor
The afternoon also included music, staff giveaways, laughter, and plenty of celebration as employees reflected on another memorable year at Savannah R3.
District leaders thanked the many local businesses, sponsors, and community members who continue to support SR3 staff, students, and schools throughout the year.