Dexter, Missouri - The annual CTA Retirement Tea was held on Thursday, April 28th with seven teachers retiring from Dexter Public Schools.  In all, these seven teachers will end their teaching career with 193 years of service.  Teachers honored were Sherry Chance, June Lawrence, Ramona Lemons, Shannon Putnam, John Stephens, Shari Stickles, and Debra Thrower.  (Each teacher will have their own article and a description of their years of service in education).

In the fall of 1978, Mrs. Shari Stickles began her 25 year teaching career at Marquand-Zion School District.  She taught Jr. High and High School Home Economics.  Shari was hired in 1980 by the Richland School District to teach 4th and 5th grade remedial Math and after one year at Richland she had the opportunity to babysit and be a stay-at-home mom with her daughter.

Beginning in 1983 she spent 10 years as a substitute teacher for the Dexter Public School.  IN March of 1992, she was hired to complete the school year as the Middle School Key Skills teacher, which became her full-time position for the next three years.

Shari received her Master's Degree in Education and began teaching Family and Consumer Science (FACS) at T.S. Hill Middle school where she will conclude her teaching experience.

"The Dexter Public Schools commend them for their dedication and service to educating all the students they have come in contact with over the many years," commented Rick Williams, Dexter School Board President.  "We appreciate their service."