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Celebrating a Legacy of Service
Sperry Public Schools Honors Four Retiring Educators
As the 2025-2026 school year comes to a close, Sperry Public Schools says farewell to four dedicated educators whose combined service represents more than 140 years of commitment to students and learning. Curriculum Director Brent Core, High School Principal Richard Akin, Middle School Principal Mike Juby, and Middle School Teacher Melody Anderson have each left an indelible mark on the students, staff, and community they have served. Their careers have been defined by leadership, perseverance, compassion, and a shared commitment to helping students succeed.
Brent Core: A Lifelong Love of Learning
After 40 years in education, including 17 years at Sperry Public Schools, Curriculum Director Brent Core is ready to close an important chapter in his life.
Mr. Core's journey into education began with a passion for literature and a lifelong love of learning. Throughout his career, he has remained focused on helping students and educators navigate the ever-changing landscape of education.
When reflecting on what made Sperry special, Mr. Core pointed to the school's "small, close-knit staff" and the outstanding colleagues who influenced him throughout his career. "I've worked with some excellent people," he said. "I think about the influence they have had on me."
As he retires, Mr. Core looks forward to spending more time reading and enjoying life outside of work. His advice to students and staff is simple but powerful: "Remember what we are here to do. It is easy to get sidetracked."
Looking back on four decades in education, Mr. Core summarized his career with humility: "I did what I thought was best for those I served."
Richard Akin: A Lifetime of Sperry Pride
Few people can say they spent their entire educational career in one district, but Richard Akin can. After graduating from Sperry and spending 31 years in education, all at Sperry Public School, Mr. Akin is retiring as High School Principal.
His path into education came unexpectedly. While pursuing a degree in Wildlife Management, Mr. Akin was asked by the elementary secretary to substitute teach in an elementary classroom. The experience changed his life. "I changed my degree from Wildlife Management to Elementary Education the next week," he recalled.
For Mr. Akin, Sperry's greatest strength has always been its people. "The closeness of the community who support each other in difficult times" stands out most, he said. "When the school or a student needs help or is faced with tragedy, the community of Sperry shows up."
One of Mr. Akin's proudest accomplishments was sharing the Sperry’s school traditions and experiences with his own children and watching both graduate as valedictorians. Among the traditions he will miss most is the excitement of Friday night football. "It is a busy day with a lot of work behind the scenes, but it's nice to see it all come together Friday night," he said.
In retirement, Akin plans to spend time hunting, fishing, golfing, and traveling with his wife. He especially looks forward to "sitting in a tree on those crisp fall mornings watching God's creation wake up each day."
His hope is that students remember an important lesson: "If you work hard and you are respectful, you can accomplish anything in life you want."
As he leaves Sperry, Akin expressed his gratitude to the school community. "Working alongside such dedicated staff and teaching such bright, inspiring students has been one of the greatest privileges of my life," he said. "Watching them grow and discover their potential has been the most rewarding part of my journey."
Mike Juby: Serving His Hometown
For Mike Juby, Sperry Public Schools has always been more than a workplace. For him, it's home. After 33 years in education, including 32 years at Sperry, Juby is retiring from his role as Middle School Principal. A Sperry graduate himself, he has dedicated most of his professional life to serving the community where he grew up.
Interestingly, Juby credits a tornado with inspiring his career in education, a life-changing event that ultimately led him to the profession.
When asked what he is proudest of accomplishing, Mr. Juby pointed not to awards or accolades, but to consistency. "Being an example of showing up to do my job on a daily basis," he said.
One of his favorite memories is hearing players and fans sing the Sperry fight song after football games, a tradition that symbolizes the pride and unity of the community.
Mr. Juby hopes his legacy will be one of dedication and gratitude. "That a person can be here daily, do their job, and be thankful and grateful to have a career helping serve students," he said.
Retirement will bring new opportunities. Mr. Juby and his wife plan to spend more time with their grandchildren.
His advice to students and staff reflects the work ethic he has modeled throughout his career: "Do more today than you did yesterday. Learn to create value for yourself."
Looking back on his career, Mr. Juby offers a lesson that applies far beyond the classroom: "You're going to make mistakes, grow from them and move on. If you're not making a mistake, you are not trying."
Melody Anderson: Helping Students Discover Confidence in Math
After more than 37 years in education, including 12 years at Sperry Public Schools, Melody Anderson is retiring from the classroom, leaving behind a legacy of patience, encouragement, and a passion for helping students succeed in mathematics.
Mrs. Anderson's interest in education developed early. As a junior high student, she first considered becoming a choir teacher after watching her choir instructor work with an all-girls class. Later, a dramatic difference between her seventh-grade math experience and the excellent teachers she had in eighth grade and high school inspired her to pursue mathematics education. "I wanted to be the teacher that helped students understand," she said.
One of her proudest moments came this past year when she watched two students who had struggled and shut down the previous year gain confidence and take ownership of their learning. "I was able to see the light come on with patience and by helping them know how to ask the right questions," Mrs. Anderson said.
For Mrs. Anderson, Sperry provided an environment where teachers could focus on students and instruction. "Sperry allowed me to teach without hindering me with too many outside requirements and special lesson plan formats," she said. "The team of teachers and staff that I taught with also made a big difference."
Throughout her time at Sperry, Mrs. Anderson's contributions extended far beyond the classroom. She spent countless hours working in the concession stand, driving the band bus, coaching the academic team, and driving a bus route. Those experiences helped her build meaningful relationships across the school community.
As she reflects on her career, Mrs. Anderson says she will especially miss collaborating with fellow educators. Looking back on her years of service, Anderson hopes her influence continues through the students she taught. "I hope my students continue to grow in their math skills and that they will translate a positive attitude toward math with their own kids," she said.
A Lasting Legacy
Together, Core, Akin, Juby, and Anderson represent more than 140 years of service in education and over 90 years dedicated to Sperry Public Schools. While each followed a unique path into education, all four shared a common purpose: helping students learn, grow, and reach their potential. Their influence can be seen in the countless students they taught, the colleagues they mentored, and the traditions they helped strengthen. As they begin new adventures in retirement, the Sperry community thanks them for their years of dedication, leadership, and service. Their legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Pirates for years to come.
