Dexter, Missouri - Eleven Dexter educators representing nearly 300 years i the field of education were honored at the annual Retirement Tea on Thursday, May 4, 2017.

Dexter School Board vice President Herman Morse, a retired educator and administrator, presented the honors at the Bearcat Event Center.

Honored were Loretta Morrow, Regina Mick, Elizabeth Spratt, Rhonda Lane, Michelle Kirkley, Linda Hill, Jennifer Miller, Derek Urhahn, Judy Patterson, Tracy Elfrink and Melanie Stoelting.

Mrs. Michelle Kirkley graduated from the University of Missouri in 1989 with a B.S. in Education. 

She began her teaching career in 1990 teaching Algebra I and serving as a cheer coach at Sikeston Middle School. 

In 1999, she was hired to teach Algebra I at Dexter High School. 

She is retiring with 27 career years in education, with 18 of those years at DHS. 

During Mrs. Kirkley’s tenure, she also served as a cheerleader coach.