With a combined 26 years of experience at Akins between them, two long-time faculty members have said their goodbyes.

Librarian Bonnie Hauser, who worked at Akins for 12 years, and social studies teacher Anne Sherwood, who served in various roles for 14 years, decided that January was the right time to switch gears and take on new adventures.

For Sherwood, a new love in her life is what led her to make her decision. She plans to move to Columbus, Ohio to begin the next chapter in her life.

“I have fallen in love,” Sherwood said. “I also get the opportunity to pursue creative goals that I have treasured for so long.”

Sherwood said one of the things she is most proud of during her time at Akins, was her time as the academy coordinator for the Social Services Academy.

“I was glad to be apart of such an important role in the school,” she said.

Sherwood was a role model that teachers and students admired.

“Anne was one of the best writing teachers I have ever met,” English teacher Janet Larkin said. “She was quite amazing.”

For Hauser, the possibility of having a wider impact on student learning and access to technology across the school district convinced her to make the jump to a new job. Her new position as a cataloging librarian will involve converting physical archives of printed materials to a digital format.

“When I was offered this position I realized that this was something that I needed to do,” Hauser said.

During Hauser’s teaching career, she taught English at Crockett High school and other school districts.

“I love teaching but I don’t love doing the same thing six times in one day,” Hauser said.
“As a Librarian I really get to see all the ‘paddling’ so to speak, that goes on underneath, in the mind of students.”

Senior Kermeasha Carr-Maxwell, who worked as a teacher aid for Hauser, said she was more than just a librarian.

“She was really great,” Carr-Maxwell said. “She was always there when I needed her no matter what it was.”

Sherwood and Hauser both became emotional when asked what their favorite memories were during their time here.

“My memories are just moments of when id look at someone and sense a spark of feeling,” Sherwood said. “When I think of the faces of friends that I have aquired over the years, I just take a moment to cherish it.”

Hauser’s favorite memory of Akins was a bit more personal.

“Wow, its hard to answer because I just have so many,” Hauser said. “Getting to see my son graduate while I was on the floor with him was by far my favorite memory.”