Laurie Lang and Carol Powell pose with the pies they were honored with as their co-workers celebrated each of their retirements and said goodbye to two long time teachers. Both have been at FEB for over a combined total of 53 years. | Randy Garrison

Randy Garrison

Hartselle Enquirer

The faculty and staff of F.E. Burleson Elementary celebrated and said farewell to two of their own on May 18. Carol Powell, second grade teacher and Laurie Lang kindergarten teacher are leaving the FEB family after a combined 53 years at the school.

Carol Powell has spent her entire teaching career at FEB. “It has been fun and I will miss y’all, but I can read about it in the paper and be happy “ Powell said during the retirement celebration. Her husband Randy joined in for the fun. Her son Russell was working out of town and was not able to attend.

“Even though teachers come and go and there have been lots of changes at FEB, our family spirit and love is still here. I am thrilled, but ready to go,” Lang remarked during the event. Lang has taught for a total of 32 years, with the last 16 at FEB. She taught 14 years at Falkville and 2 years at West Morgan. Her family, including husband Glen, daughters, Lauren and Sara, her mom, Bonnie Hogan, her sister, and brother and sister-in-law were there to celebrate with Lang. Her son, Will, was working out of state and could not attend.

The party had a “Pie 4 Now” theme with many pies to celebrate the happy occasion. Each retiree was also presented with a knockout rose bush as a gift.

Superintendent, Dr. Vic Wilson offered his congratulations to both teachers.  He also mentioned that Powell was the daughter of one of the first board members of the newly formed Hartselle City School System in 1973. Powell’s late father was Elmo Kerr. Also while Lang is retiring, her son Will be starting as a teacher in the system during the 2016-2017 school year, at Hartselle Junior High.