Catholic educators honored for 25 years of service

Published: October 6, 2017

Malea Hargett

Four teachers were honored Sept. 29 for serving 25 years in Catholic schools. They are Mary Kleinsorge (from left), Christ the King, Little Rock; April Williamson, Blessed Sacrament, Jonesboro; Tamara McMillan, St. Joseph Elementary, Conway; and Cathy Walker, St. Vincent de Paul, Rogers. Vernell Bowen (right), superintendent of schools, was surprised with an award for her own 25 years of service.

Malea Hargett

The superintendent of Catholics and four Catholic school teachers were honored Sept. 29 during Arkansas Teacher Professional Day, hosted at Christ the King School in Little Rock.

Superintendent Vernell Bowen was surprised with an award for 25 years in Catholic schools, given by associate superintendents Marguerite Olberts and Theresa Hall. Bowen has been the diocesan superintendent for 16 years. She also worked for nine years as the principal of St. Edward School in Little Rock. With her 23 years in public schools, she is celebrating her 48th year in education this year.

“There is not anything she wouldn’t do for a school,” Olberts said of Bowen.

Four teachers also observed 25 years in Catholic schools. They are Mary Kleinsorge, Christ the King, Little Rock: April Williamson, Blessed Sacrament, Jonesboro; Tamara McMillan, St. Joseph Elementary, Conway; and Cathy Walker, St. Vincent de Paul, Rogers. The diocese presented each of them with an engraved clock and certificate.