The Butler County Commission declared Nov. 14, 2017 Retired Teachers Day in Butler County during Thursday’s monthly meeting.

The occasion, which is celebrated in conjunction with American Education Week (Nov. 13-17), acknowledges public education as the foundation of society and its place as the most critical element in the progress and enlightenment of the state and nation.

Wayne Boswell, president of the Butler County Education Retirees Association, was likewise acknowledged during the commission meeting as one of the bastions of public education who carried the torch of knowledge and opened the doors to the challenges and excitement of learning for countless Butler County students for decades.

A number of Boswell’s former pupils were in attendance for the board meeting, including a pair of commissioners.  The first, Allin Whittle, offered a few words of thanks for Boswell’s devotion to his profession both during and after his tenure.

“Thank you for the job you do as president of the Retired Educators Association,” Whittle said.

“Every year, there’s a lot of money raised with Fill the Bus. Mr. Boswell and his group are always there at Walmart collecting money, and from that come supplies that go to each classroom in public schools in Butler County.”

Another former student, Joey Peavy, similarly weighed in.

You can look back now on teachers like Mr. Boswell that you took for granted back then, and you can see the positive influence they had in your life,” Peavy said.

“Mr. Boswell was the assistant principal, and his dutities were to paddle us sometimes.  Believe it or not, he had to paddle me a time or two,” he added with a laugh.

“Thank you for your service.”