The Oxford School District held a celebration for a group of 16 employees who are retiring this year, one of whom served over three decades in the system.

Teacher Melissa Cox has been with the district for 34 years. Though she retired a couple of years ago, she came out of retirement and went back to work at the Scott Center.

“(Mrs. Cox) did a phenomenal job working with students who had really severe needs,” Superintendent Brian Harvey said during a speech. “It didn’t matter to Mrs. Cox what needs they had. Her children performed and achieved far greater than had she not been involved. She is going to be missed very much.”

When not at the Scott Center, Cox worked at Oxford Junior High (which is now Oxford Intermediate) and Bramlett Elementary where she spent a total of 20 years.

“It’s been a difficult decision, but it’s time for me,” Cox said. “There are younger teachers who can do this, and my husband and I are moving, so that makes it much easier. I want to thank everyone I worked with, the parents of the students, teaching assistants and my family for supporting me. I’ve always been surrounded by the best. It’s a wonderful school district.”

The other honorees this year are Denise Collier (9 years with the District), Dabney Hall (15 years), Tim Howington (9 years), Donald Hoggard (15 years), Sarah Jones (21 years), Angel Kendricks (23 years), Lisa Lambert (29 years), Allison Movitz (6 years), Laura Sale (27 years), Vinnie Valentine (11 years), Joan Westmoreland (17 years), Brian Davis (22 years), Mary Carrothers (13.5 years), Louis Nash (18 years) and Charles Webb (20.5 years).