Sara Bagby was honored Friday night as the Distinguished Citizen of the Year by the Fayette school district’s Board of Education. Fifth-grade teacher Wayne Duran was named the 2022 Lincoln Public School Memorial Committee Teacher of the Year.

Also honored Friday were teachers reaching milestones with the district, as well as middle and high school students who have earned academic distinctions.

Bagby, a 1966 graduate of Fayette High School, was nominated for her years of service as a volunteer at Daly Elementary School. For the past five years, she has worked twice a week, reading to elementary students.

“Thank you, Sara, for your involvement in making our school and community a better place,” said Fayette Superintendent Jill Wiseman.

Duren, a fifth-grade teacher at Daly Elementary, was not only recognized for his 10 years of teaching but was named the Teacher of the Year for 2022 by the Lincoln Public School Memorial Committee. 

“Looking back, I can honestly say my personality, flexibility, and willingness to teach the classroom song and dance to my students made me the perfect fit for the education world,” Duren said in a prepared statement read by Superintendent Wiseman. 

Prior to returning to his alma mater in Fayette, Duren taught at New Franklin and Harrisburg elementary schools. Duren has also been a special education teacher in both New Franklin and Fayette. Additionally, he drives a school bus.

“All of this allows me to work and be acquainted with many staff members throughout the district and community members,” Duren said. “For this, I am very grateful.”

Among those recognized at Friday’s ceremony were Superintendent and Board Secretary Trish Elliot and Superintendent Wiseman, both of whom are retiring. Elliot has served the district for 23 years. Wiseman announced her retirement in November after 25 years in public education. She has been in Fayette for 20 years, the last three of which have she has been the district’s superintendent. She has also served as curriculum director in Fayette for 16 years.

The Board of Education also recognized teachers and staff who have reached career milestones. Brent Doolin, Lauren Schekorra, Patrick Tray, and Ellie Trick have been with the district for five years. Duren was recognized for 10 years in Fayette, while Mike James was honored for 15 years, Daly Elementary Principal Cheri Huster for 20 years, and Tom Oakley and Tiffany Zimmel for 25 in the district.