Kent Takes Final Bow

After devoting her life to education for 40 years, Regina Kent is retiring from her professional passion. When the longtime educator walks out the door for the final time on May 26, she will be leaving behind an impressive legacy. During her four decades of teaching, Kent has taught hundreds of children the building blocks of education no doubt, but she also has been a comforter for crying children, an encourager to the downtrodden, and a motivator to the uninspired.
“For the better part of my life, this school has been my second home,” Kent said. “It is finally dawning on me what a big piece of my life I’m leaving behind. It means more to me than words can express, and my life will not be the same without it,” she added.
The second grade teacher has been a beacon, leading children to the next level in their academic development while inspiring a love for learning.
“Mrs. Kent has a long, valuable history with our school,” says Principal Sabrina Farler. “I don’t know what it is, but among her many talents, she has always had the ability to motivate her students to be voracious readers. She has been a great asset. We’ll miss her, but her retirement is richly deserved.”
“The last day of school will be a bit different for “Miss” Kent this year, for when she closes her classroom door on the last day of school, she will also be closing the door on a successful teaching career,” said Donna Davis, who, until her retirement, taught second grade alongside Mrs. Kent for many years.
“I always admired “Miss” Kent’s artistic abilities; with her guidance her students were able to complete many artistic projects which enhanced and supplemented the curriculum and, just as importantly, which the students enjoyed. I’m sure that in the homes of many of her former students who are now adults there may be one of those coffee-can Santas which they made in her room at Christmas! As we worked side-by-side and collaborated and commiserated, we also developed a friendship. Our tradition of attending the Southern Women’s Show each year became a bit of West School lore! So I say to “Miss Kent” as you close that classroom door this year and open the door to the next chapter in your life, “Welcome to the world of retirement! You’re going to love it! Grab your passport and let’s go!”
Kent began teaching in 1977. Friends, family, and colleagues will honor Mrs. Kent at a reception in her honor May 24.
“It has been a blessing to have had the opportunity to work at such an outstanding school as DeKalb West,” Mrs. Kent said. “I know I am going to miss it, but I am looking forward to retirement and starting a new chapter in my life.”