Leaving a legacy

Clarke Central High School math department teacher Georgia Scott sits in her classroom on May 13. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Scott hoped to teach for a few more years, but after the last year of virtual teaching, she changed her mind. “I came back last year, and my intent was to go at least four more years, (because) I just love teaching. But this year it changed my mind. This was such a surprise and I don’t want any more surprises,” Scott said. Photo by Luna Reichert

Longtime Clarke Central High School math department teacher Georgia Scott is retiring in order to find more time for herself after her long and fulfilling teaching career.

After 32 total years of instruction at schools in both Arkansas and Georgia, including CCHS, Classic City High School and Clarke Middle School, Scott feels that she is ready to leave teaching.

“I still love teaching math, but I think it’s time to give it up. I’m learning the (new) technology, (such as SMART boards) and all of that, but I started on a chalkboard 32 years ago in Arkansas,” Scott said. “As the result of the effects of the pandemic on me, as well as our students, I have decided to retire this year.”

“I’m learning the (new) technology, (such as SMART boards) and all of that, but I started on a chalkboard 32 years ago in Arkansas.”

— Georgia Scott,
Clarke Central High School math department teacher

Although Scott has decided to retire, she plans to continue her love of teaching through various local services.

“I will still be teaching (as a) tutor in other counties, (such as) Oconee County or (wherever) they request my help. I (will also) help at (Foothills Charter High School),” Scott said.

CCHS freshman Maniya Howard has enjoyed being in Scott’s spring semester Algebra I class and feels the experience has positively impacted her.

“She helped me, so I’m really grateful for her. She changed me. She helped me (learn to) be myself (and) she will be missed. There will be a hole (in CCHS after she leaves),” Howard said.

Clarke Central High School math department teacher Georgia Scott and CCHS special education teacher Stacey Scott stand in Classroom 308 on May 17. When Stacey was a student at CCHS from 1999-2003, she believed her mother Georgia has made positive impressions on the CCHS community, and she still sees that impact today. “She is always as welcoming as she was, even when I was a student. She kind of coined the nickname ‘Mama Scott,’ so a lot of people didn’t know she was my actual mother,” Stacy said. “Even now some people are still like ‘What, that’s your mom?’ It’s really nice knowing that she’s here,” Photo by Luna Reichert

Scott’s daughter, CCHS special education teacher Stacey Scott, a 2003 CCHS graduate, has seen her mother as both a mentor and a colleague in the building. While she will miss working with her mother, she understands her decision.

“I just want her and my dad to relax. She’s got a garden and the compost that takes a good bit of her time. So I just want her to be able to garden, sit up on the beach (and) enjoy her time,” Stacey said.

CCHS principal Swade Huff is appreciative of the service Georgia has provided the community during her years in the building.

“The rapport that she had with the students, her 30 plus years of experience in the math (department) and just her overall professionalism (has meant a lot to the CCHS community),” Huff said. “She’s easy to work (with and has a) rapport with colleagues in the department, so when she leaves she’s definitely going to be missed.”

As she reflects on her career, Georgia is thankful for all the memories she made at CCHS and what CCHS has done for her and her family.

“Both of my girls graduated from Clarke Central and so many people took care of them and made sure they were prepared to go on to college and be successful,” Georgia said. “I have loved being a part of all (of) Central. The sports, the academics (and) just getting to know students and be a part of their families and their lives,” Georgia said.

Story by Lukas Cornish