Dr. Susan Kincannon waves to a Waco ISD retiree at the annual retirement breakfast.

A special group of Waco ISD employees, whose years of service in Waco ISD collectively adds to more than 1,213, bid farewell to friends and co-workers during the district’s annual retirement breakfast. Although the recognition ceremony was reinvented due to the Coronavirus, its meaning was not eclipsed in the shadow of a worldwide pandemic.

Traditionally held as an early-morning breakfast at the Baylor Club, there were unavoidable physical modifications in the event’s location and design. But that did not change the fact that honoring 48 retiring employees was a high priority for Waco ISD.

Instead of the usual banquet-style breakfast with a staged presentation of awards and accolades, plenty of handshaking and goodbye hugs; this year’s event was held in the parking lot of Indian Spring Middle School in the early morning of Friday, August 7, 2020.

A white tent used as the staging area also provided shade from the hot August sun. Classical music filled the air as the honorees lined up in cars - with masks covering their faces - and drove in a single progression to receive a boxed breakfast, retirement gift, and a final greeting from Waco ISD Superintendent, Dr. Susan Kincannon, through a cracked passenger window.

Continuing through the parking lot, each retiree, along with any guests in their car, drove through a spirit line of socially-distanced, cheering principals, assistant principals and administrators.

And as each car slowly rolled along, some flashing colorful banners or catchy signs, there was usually one last wave or a honk - maybe even a soft tap on the breaks - as the honorees steered towards the parking lot exit.

With retirement just one turn signal away, saying goodbye to old friends, coworkers and many years of hard work can be bittersweet. But with 1,213 years of service in the rearview mirror, these 48 individuals have made a significant contribution to our schools and students. Through their hard work and many years of service, they are leaving Waco ISD a better place. Although they are retiring from service, their legacy will live forever.

The 2020 Waco ISD Retirees listed with their most recent work location and years of service in Waco ISD:

View the photo album from the 2020 Waco ISD Retirement Celebration