BY JANET BERNOSKY, Eastern Shore Post —
Kennie Godwin began his career with Accomack County Public Schools 45 years ago as a substitute bus driver.Two years later, he was hired full-time to drive an elementary school route.
After 43 years of service, his last route with Accomack Schools involved transporting special needs students attending Kegotank Elementary and Arcadia Middle and High schools.
“It was a hard route, a long route,” said Paul Brabazon, head of transportation.
He described Godwin as a “reliable and conscientious employee who rarely took time off.”
Godwin was one of many in Accomack and Northampton counties who retired this summer after long tenures in education.
As classes began for the new school year, the beloved retirees were notably absent.
During the worst part of the COVID-19 pandemic, Brabazon said Godwin spent time spraying down bus interiors after runs.
Brabazon said the kids on Godwin’s route loved him and he loved them.
“I sure will miss those kids,” Godwin said.
Now that he’s retired, Godwin plans to stay busy. For now, he will keep his part-time job of 15 years at the Chincoteague Bay Field Station, where he does mowing and maintenance work.
This is close to his favorite fishing spot near the Queens Sound bridge on the Chincoteague causeway, where he loves to catch croakers.
He also expects that chasing after his three-year old goddaughter will keep him young.
Godwin also has some travel plans, which include visiting his brother in Arizona in March.
But first, he’s got a deck to repair.
“My wife, she says she doesn’t have a honey-do list, but she does,” said Godwin.
Other Accomack County school retirees include: Betty Fletcher, teacher assistant; Juanita M. Warner, bus driver; Catherine DeAngelis, teacher; Sarah Savage, custodian; Regina Prater, guidance counselor; Valerie Smith, teacher; Josephine Armstrong, bus driver; Cheryl L. Bono, guidance counselor; Sheila Mapp, teacher; Jayanne Bridges, teacher; Faith Custis, bus driver; Lynn Schwendeman, instructional assistant; Mary Cropper, cafeteria worker; Steve Paeglow, facilities; and Ora Satchell, receptionist.
