DAPHNE, Ala.—Compassionate. Wise. A great leader.

These superlatives were used to describe Daphne East Elementary Principal Tommie Conaway at a May 26 retirement ceremony. When Conaway exits the school’s doors on July 1, it will mark the close of a 36-year career serving as an educator and school administrator. Conaway has been principal at Daphne East since 2004 and served the position at Daphne Intermediate, 1992-2004; and Foley Middle, 1988-92. She was an administrative intern at Fairhope Elementary, 1987-88; a fourth-grade teacher at Daphne Elementary, 1982-87; and a Title I reading and math teacher at Robertsdale Elementary, 1975-82.

Guests at her going-away ceremony said that Conaway, throughout her time at Baldwin County public schools, left quite an impression.

“What a wonderful legacy she has left for the community of Daphne and Baldwin County schools,” Baldwin County Public Schools Superintendent Faron Hollinger said.

“Mrs. Conaway has been an exemplary teacher and administrator,” he said. “I have also had numerous parents and community leaders attest to her outstanding leadership.”

See the rest of this story in the June 3Daphne Bulletin.