Long-time educator, board member retiring

Barney Rocker, former chairman of the Liberty County Board of Education, talks with Mattie Hicks as a line of people wait to greet her Tuesday at her retirement reception. - photo by Photo by Lauren Hunsberger

reception line — Barney Rocker, former chairman of the Liberty County Board of Education, talks with Mattie Hicks as a line of people wait to greet her Tuesday at her retirement reception. - photo by Photo by Lauren Hunsberger

Longtime educator and retiring member of of the Liberty County Board of Education Mattie Hicks was honored Tuesday.

The BoE hosted a reception to mark her 22 years of service on the board. About a 100 community leaders, educators, friends and family members celebrated her life and work and were in attendance as mayors from surrounding cities officially designated Dec. 9 Mattie Hicks Day.

Current board members and family also spoke and shared memories of Hicks.

Carol Guyette, who has served many years with Hicks on the BoE, gave thanks to her and told her it’s time for a new part of her life. “It’s time for you to rest,” Guyette said.