Special to the News
It was a day of both tears and laughs as Central Coosa Schools bid farewell to Gail Ezekiel after 44 years of service in the Coosa County school system.
Ezekiel began her career in 1980 at Weogufka High School as a cafeteria worker. She recalls that this was a time when, just like at home back then, everything had to be made from scratch.
In 1990 Ezekiel transferred to Central High School where she worked part-time in the lunchroom and part-time in the office maintaining attendance, as well as helping to balance the ledgers. Since 1995 she has been the school’s full-time bookkeeper, although the seventh and eighth graders fondly know her as the “snack lady.”
When asked what she will miss most, Ezekiel said, “The students, faculty and staff, and let’s not forget the coaches!”
After 44 years, Ezekiel says she has so many wonderful memories it would be hard to choose a favorite. She leaves behind a legacy of someone who epitomizes what it means to be a dedicated employee, someone who viewed their career as a calling to make a difference in the lives of our students and someone who served as an inspiration to the rest of the staff through her amazing work ethic, integrity and honesty.
She understood that the school is the heart of the community, and she put her heart into our school. She never had the attitude, “that is not my job;” she was always there to help whomever with whatever they needed, even her beloved coaches.
We are thankful that she will continue to serve as a mentor and offer advice on her vast knowledge of our school system during the transition period and beyond. Although she is ending her official service, she remains our personal friend and a friend of the school system.
Gail and her husband of 54 years, Tim, who has also been a great supporter of Central Coosa Schools, will enjoy their time farming together and enjoying the great outdoors from their home in Weogufka. Gail and Tim also plan to enjoy more time at the family lake home with their children Kimberly, Central Class of 1989, and Matthew, Central Class of 1990, as well as their grandchildren Blake, Andrew, Bradley, and Ansley.
Congratulations, Gail; it would be an understatement to say you will be missed, but we will forever be thankful that you selflessly served our students and school system far beyond what would be expected of an employee.
