Celebration of Service

ROBS BIDS ADIEU TO DISTINGUISHED FACULTY

Though the Lord has provided for River Oaks Baptist School in a multitude of ways in its 65-year history, it is difficult to find a better example of His providence than the people He brings through our doors. Where students, families, and faculty and staff gather, He is with us. Although we say goodbye to seven of our longest tenured faculty members this year, we are grateful for their tremendous dedication and service to ROBS. After a collective 204 years at ROBS, the contributions these women have made to the School are innumerable.

ADONICA ASTON, 20 YEARS

Adonica Aston retires after 20 years in the ROBS library. Our Preschool students will surely miss her magic glitter wand and talking monkey, and Christa Pryor and Shelia Potter will miss her constant support and strong work ethic. “She is truly the backbone of the library,” Pryor says, “and when she’s reading to students, she has them completely transfixed.” Aston has not only passed on her love of reading to two decades of ROBS students, but has also consistently supported our Preschool teachers’ efforts to bring quality literature into their classrooms. Aston believes in the power of books to open the minds and hearts of our students, and it would be impossible to count how many minds and hearts were opened through her work in the library.

LILA MAZZONE, 22 YEARS

In the ROBS Lower School, there are certain things that are just synonymous with the name Mrs. Mazzone: baking nachos, erupting volcanoes, and a day with the Snake Man are just a few. Mazzone’s passion for science is evident in the deft way she engages with and captures the attention of her students. She has spent 22 years bringing science to life for her students, truly making her a fan favorite ROBS teacher and an integral part of the Lower School experience.

“For where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them.”

Matthew 18:20

CATE EBBS, 24 YEARS

For many students, Prime Time is their favorite part of the day, and that is no accident. Cate Ebbs has been the architect of the Prime Time program for 24 years, making sure ROBS students feel at home after school. Ebbs knows each of her Prime Time students by name, along with their favorite snack, activity, sport, hobby…and so much more. Ebbs was always looking for new ways to improve the Prime Time experience. Ebbs’ dedication to and love for her students is abundantly clear in the joy and excitement ROBS students find in Prime Time each day. Prime Time simply will not be the same without Ms. Ebbs.

GAY LEE PEARCE, 27 YEARS

Should we call her Mrs. Pearce, or Mrs. Peace? Known for her calm, kind demeanor, Janet Atkins describes Gay Lee Pearce as “a resident angel in our midst.” Many certainly will remember Pearce’s fondness for the annual eighth grade Washington, D.C./ Williamsburg trip (and her penchant for shopping for treasures while there), and others will remember the care and love she exercised when selecting the eighth grade Character Award recipients. But all will remember the kindness and compassion she extended to everyone she encountered in her 27 years at ROBS. With grace and empathy, Pearce has taught the ROBS community the value of gentleness and peace.

KAREN OLIPHANT, 34 YEARS

Middle School language arts teacher Karen Oliphant leaves ROBS after 34 years, and countless “Daily Delights.” Her creativity and engaging lessons, including the famous Christmas-themed project about Santa Claus’ ideal suit, have captivated the interest of Middle School students for over three decades. As Oliphant departs ROBS, she leaves a brighter, and more grammatically correct, school in her wake.

MARGARET BREWER, 35 YEARS

After 35 years at ROBS, Margaret Brewer has worn nearly as many hats here. She has served ROBS as a science teacher, science department chair, assistant head of middle school, and interim head of middle school. Brewer learned the ins and outs of each new role with ease – proving her commitment to being a life-long learner, as well as an educator. Brewer’s peers say that science comes alive for students in her classroom. Brewer’s work on re-structuring the science curriculum has left an indelible mark on the School, and her vision for science instruction at ROBS will be her legacy for years to come.

PENNY JACKSON, 42 YEARS

After having taught Pre-Algebra, Latin, English, English Honors, and English Seminar over the years, Penny Jackson retires after 42 years at ROBS. Jackson, known for her quick wit and deep faith, spent many years forming her ROBS students in academics and faith. She had a natural way of connecting with students, from coming in early to play Minecraft with them to just listening to them when they needed it. Jackson’s heartfelt words and acts of kindness touched both students and colleagues, alike, and contributed greatly to making ROBS, as Jackson herself describes, “a happy, happy place.”