Amanda Pevey
Elmore Autauga News
Wetumpka High School is saying farewell to four longtime educators and staff members whose combined careers left a lasting mark on students, programs, and the culture of the school, as colleagues and community members gathered to celebrate a legacy built over decades of service.
SFC Danny Hunter, Delores Payne, Mary Golden and Jason Warnix were honored for years of dedication that together represent more than a century of commitment to Wetumpka High School and Elmore County Schools.
The celebration highlighted not just years of service, but the relationships, traditions and student lives shaped along the way.
Wetumpka High School Principal Kyle Futral opened the recognition by thanking the retirees for their impact on the school community and the generations of students they served.
“We just want to take a moment to truly appreciate you and your years of dedicated service to Wetumpka High School and our community,” Futral said. “So much of what makes this school special is because of people like you who have given a large portion of your lives here.”
Superintendent Richard Dennis reflected on the shared history and deep connections formed through years in education, offering both gratitude and personal reflections on the retirees’ influence.
“I go back in time and think about the impact you all have had on students and this community. We are thankful for what you all have done.”
Among those recognized, SFC Hunter stood out for his 32 years of service and for building Wetumpka High School’s Junior ROTC program from the ground up. His leadership helped shape the program into a cornerstone of discipline, character development and student opportunity, with generations of cadets going on to serve in the military and succeed in careers across the country.
“I just pray that they are able to carry out the discipline because it is going to require discipline with everything that you do in life,” said SFC Hunter. “Because if you do not have that, then you are not going to stay focused. And that means a lot. Being able to have those good communication skills, you know, being able to sit down in front of someone that’s gonna be interviewing you can carry on a conversation. You need to have that Hollywood mindset that this job is for me. We try to instill in the kids, the way you trust, the way you carry yourself, everything. It is all about being positive.”
Hunter reflected on the experience with humility, emphasizing the lessons learned from students as much as those taught.
“We are the educators, but we learn just as much from the students,” Hunter said. “You look them in the eye, find out what is really going on, and you adjust. That has been my learning experience over the years, and it has been a beautiful ride.”
Payne was recognized for 27 years as a math teacher known for her steady presence, patience, and commitment to helping students succeed.
Golden, who served 30 years as the school custodian, was honored for her dedication to keeping the school running smoothly each day while building meaningful relationships across campus.
Warnix, who spent 25 years as band director, was celebrated for shaping the school’s music program and helping create the traditions and performances that define Wetumpka High’s identity.
Each retiree was presented with a rocking chair as a symbol of appreciation and the next chapter ahead, a gesture that drew smiles, laughter and reflection from those in attendance.
The tone of the celebration remained deeply personal throughout, centered on gratitude, shared memories and the understanding that each retiree’s influence extends far beyond the classroom, band room, or office.
As the celebration came to a close, what remained most clear was not simply the number of years served, but the depth of connection built within them.
Wetumpka High School’s retirees leave behind more than careers, they leave behind programs strengthened, students shaped and a school community enriched by their presence.
