Clarke Central High School freshman math department teacher Becky Begnaud explains math concepts to a class on Feb. 27. Begnaud has only taught freshmen throughout her 15 year career at CCHS. “(Freshmen are my favorite grade to teach because) I feel like there’s more development and growth in the ninth grade than there is in any other year,” Begnaud said. Photo by Shea Peters
Clarke Central High School freshman math department teacher Becky Begnaud is retiring from CCHS at the end of the 2019-20 school year.
After 15 years of teaching at Clarke Central High School, freshman math department teacher Becky Begnaud is retiring, citing changes in the upcoming school year and her personal life.
“The only ties that I have to Athens anymore are this school, which I do love more than anything in the world, but I’m tired of the cold, wet Januarys and Februarys,” Begnaud said. “It’s time for a change. It’s time for something different.”
After her retirement, Begnaud plans to continue teaching with reduced hours at a men’s youth detention center in Florida.
“I just hope that I would have a positive impact (at a YDC) and make a difference, because I think a lot of times, (those in YDC) are the kids that too many people give up on, and they need somebody in their corner. I would hope to be that person,” Begnaud said.
“A lot of times, (those in YDC) are the kids that too many people give up on, and they need somebody in their corner. I would hope to be that person.”
— Becky Begnaud,
CCHS freshman math department teacher
CCHS freshman Hope Smith has enjoyed being in Begnaud’s class, and has mixed feelings about her plans to retire.
“I’m happy that she’s retiring so that she can have fun, but also I feel like it’s kind of sad, because I really like her as a teacher, so it’s sad to see her go,” Smith said. “The upcoming ninth graders won’t have a chance to be with her. She (has helped) a lot of people.”
Begnaud will miss her coworkers and teaching at CCHS, but is looking forward to her retirement.
“I will miss the kids. I can’t even imagine not having these kids in my life every day, because they are such a huge part of my life,” Begnaud said. “I will miss everything about this school, and I can’t imagine what life is going to be like, but we shall see.”
“I will miss everything about this school, and I can’t imagine what life is going to be like, but we shall see.”
— Becky Begnaud,
CCHS freshman math department teacher
