“When I first started at Cordell Schools, I never dreamed I would stay for 50 years. It has been quite an experience and a lifetime of memories,” expressed Marian Twyman, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent of Cordell Public Schools. Twyman officially started her retirement after 50 years of service to Cordell Public Schools on June 30th. From typewriters to computers, Twyman has seen her fair share of change throughout the halls and classrooms of Cordell High School (CHS). She began her career with CHS in 1972-73, working in the Principal’s office. She has worked with many principals of CHS, such as Joe Battles, Jerry Burrows, Barney Gore, Gary Maynard, Larry Johnson, and Paul Pankhurst. In 1991, Twyman moved to the Superintendent’s office as encumbrance clerk, accounts payable, and board clerk. While working in the Superintendent’s office, Twyman worked alongside Jerry Burrows, Tim Puett, Brad Overton, and Travis Victory. “Jerry Burrows was the Superintendent then, and I worked for him until his retirement. He has always been close to me and my family. That was an excellent experience working with him, and it was good working for Gary Maynard. I didn’t work for a single bad person. They were all super nice to me. They’ll always hold a special place in my heart,” stated Twyman. Following the retirement of Pat Emerson, Twyman moved to payroll clerk, administrative assistant, board clerk, and treasurer in 2002 after the retirement of Dorita Ball. “As board clerk, I have seen many board members serve on the Board of Education. I had the privilege of working with many great office personnel, including Pat Emerson, Madonna Etris, Mary Keil, Tina Hawkins, Dorita Ball, Calla Smith, Dee Dee Feltman, Debbie Patton, Sundy Walker, Heather Brunker, Raven Boyd, Misty Holman, and Trista Wehunt.”
What has been your favorite part about your job over the years?
“There are so many. One of my favorites is being the cheerleading sponsor. It was great. I loved my cheerleaders; we got close and went to cheer camps, contests, and all the ball games. I heard lots of stories, and thinking back over the years, I wish I had written down some of the things those girls said so I could write a book. I was the cheer sponsor for ten years, from 1989-1999. I also loved being around the kids while working in the Principal’s office. I got to know the kids and their activities. I liked going to the basketball games because I love basketball.”
How would you describe the change from when you started until now?
“There has been such a big change within the school since I started. There’s been a big change in students. Back in the Principal’s office, kids had to bring a note if they were absent, and I remember the kids forging their parents’ signatures, and I a lot of them were. So much of that was going on even back when I first started. But now it is entirely different. When I first started, I was in the Principal’s office, and each hour the teachers had to put out an absentee slip that went on a clip on the outside of their classroom door. I had to go around and pick those up and record them in an absentee book, all by hand. Now they just put it in the computer, which goes straight to the office. I recorded the grades by hand, and now that’s all done on the computer. The teachers would turn in their grade sheets every nine weeks, and I would record them on this cardboard record, which was their permanent record. Thelma Johnson was the typewriting teacher when I started. We went from typewriters to computers. I had a typewriter in my office that I did most of my reports on. There have been so many changes over so many years. It’s all been good. It’s been a good 50 years.”
Was there a year or a school event you attended that held a special place?
“In the Superintendent’s office, I was kinda in charge of the homecomings and got to help with those. My son’s class, the class of 1980, was really special to me. I was basically their sponsor and helped with prom and all their fundraising. I got close to that group of kids.
On April 28th, Twyman was celebrated early with a retirement party that included past and present co-workers, friends, and family. During her interview with the Beacon, Twyman reflected on how much she enjoyed working with the teachers and how they will always hold a special place in her heart. She spoke dearly of the lunches she could share with her granddaughter, Anna, and the daily visits from her great-grandkids after school.
“The amazing educators at Cordell Schools and the support staff make Cordell one of the best in the state. I have seen many employees come and go and have made lasting friendships. I will miss seeing the employees daily, but I look forward to spending more time with my children, grandchildren, and great-grandkids. To all the administrators, board members, teachers, support personnel, and students, I wish the best for Cordell Schools in the future.”