In an act which recognized the spirit and life-long contributions of retiring first-grade teacher Vicki Walker, the Alba-Golden school board unanimously voted Monday to name the annual elementary school field day in her honor. Walker will be retiring after 38 years of service at the school. 

Those attending the board meeting gave her an impromptu standing ovation. Walker’s reaction indicated that the action had been kept a surprise. As she departed the meeting, Walker shared her feelings with the board that “Alba-Golden is the best kept secret in East Texas.” 

Other decisions taken by the board included scheduling a special board meeting for Friday, May 26. The purpose will be to swear-in new members and review superintendent applications. The deadline for application submissions was also extended until May 26.

The tenor of the board session was overwhelmingly positive, as students were recognized for their exploits in academic, athletic and extra-curricular activities. The whirlwind of activity which is the end of the school year was also briefed to the board.  

Most importantly, high school graduation was announced for 7 p.m. Thursday, May 25 at the Wagstaff Gymnasium, 1720 Apache Drive, Tyler. 

Valedictorian Sam Louderman and Salutatorian Cade Stovall were presented to the board. 

Also disclosed were the Teacher of the Year awards for 2022-23. The administration named Dana Haisten and David Curry as teachers of the year for elementary and secondary school, respectively.

Fifth-grader Kolbee Durbin and senior Braylon Moffett received awards of students of the month.

In other action, Misty Brock, David Havard, Rhonda Hooper and Linda Sherwood were approved for employment for the coming school year.  The board also accepted resignations from Dietra Bizzell and Jennifer Smith. 

The board granted the superintendent authority for hiring contracted teachers through Aug. 14. 

Five board members attended with Randall Cole absent. The June board meeting was scheduled for Monday, June 5.