Staff members gathered to celebrate the achievements of their peers at the Employee Awards Luncheon.
Julie Kennedy has been honored as the Administrator of the Year for Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District, recognized during the annual Employee Awards luncheon. Her career spans 24 years in various roles, significantly impacting the educational community. The event also celebrated the district’s achievement of an A-rating and recognized other outstanding staff members for their contributions to education. The awards emphasize the importance of dedicated leadership and collaboration within the district.
Starkville – Julie Kennedy has been recognized as the 2025 Administrator of the Year for the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District (SOCSD). This prestigious award was presented during the district’s annual Employee Awards of Excellence luncheon held in May at Blueberry Peace Farm.
The award ceremony was further highlighted by the announcement of SOCSD’s achievement of its first-ever A-rating, as emphasized by Dr. Tony McGee, the district’s Superintendent. This milestone marks a significant accomplishment for the district and underscores the impact of strong leadership within the schools.
Julie Kennedy, who is set to retire this year after a distinguished 24-year career with SOCSD, has served in several key roles including teacher, assistant principal, and director of the alternative school. She has dedicated 12 years to the role of principal, making a profound impact on the educational community.
Under her leadership, Overstreet Elementary achieved an A-rating in the 2023-2024 school year, the only school in the district to earn this rating. Kennedy’s emphasis on fostering a supportive learning environment and setting high expectations has contributed to the success of both students and teachers alike.
The Employee Awards luncheon, supported by Renasant Bank, honored over 80 staff members and parent volunteers, recognizing their invaluable contributions to the educational system. The event also acknowledged 16 staff members entering retirement this year, celebrating their years of service to the district.
At the ceremony, several other outstanding individuals were recognized:
In addition, Jennifer Davis, the Director of Choral Activities, received the National Federation of High School Associations (NFHS) National Citation Award, reinforcing the commitment to excellence in various educational programs.
Throughout the school year, three SOCSD employees also earned their National Board Certification, demonstrating ongoing professional development and dedication to their roles.
The Employee Awards of Excellence luncheon served not only to honor individual achievements but also to showcase the collective efforts of all staff members within the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District. Dr. McGee expressed gratitude to all award recipients and acknowledged the dedicated service of retirees, highlighting their significant contributions to the community and local families.
Starkville Celebrates Excellence at Employee Awards Luncheon
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