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Jessica Nelms

Outgoing Oconee County Board of Trustees Chairman Harry Mays Jr., left, shares a laugh with Oconee County District Superintendent Mike Lucas during the Superintendent Tailgating Social held Monday at Gignilliat Field. Between 1,000 and 1,500 school district employees took part in the event that featured hot dogs, hamburgers and a variety of desserts.

SENECA — While Oconee County students enjoyed a much deserved break from school, which continues through today, teachers and school district staff participating in in-service activities Monday took a little time off for some food, fun and fellowship.

Employees pitched large tents, set up lawn chairs and ate hamburgers, hot dogs, ice cream and other cookies and candies while catching up on the latest news. The activities, which were an 1 1/2 hours in length, were held at Gignilliat Field and made possible through an anonymous donor.

Oconee County Superintendent Mike Lucas said between 1,000-1,500 employees were expected and that each school was responsible only for providing dessert.

“Fall is the time of Thanksgiving, and this was originally to say ‘Thank you’ to all district employees for their hard work,” Lucas said. “We’ve done well academically.”

In previous years, the school district has held a back to school celebration prior to the start of each school year, alternating between indoor and outdoor venues. Whereas August typically features searing heat and humidity, Monday’s event provided sunny skies and stiff breezes.

Teachers and administrators in attendance said they especially enjoyed this year’s celebration because it provided a more open atmosphere for renewing acquaintances than the day-to-day responsibilities of school typically allow.

“I am pleased that the entire district could get together and celebrate being a district,” Code Elementary Principal Kathy Eichler said. “We’re appreciative our administration had the foresight to plan such an interactive social activity.”

Tammy Garland, a teacher at Keowee Elementary School, said the outdoor gathering provided a nice change of pace from the typical in-service day.

“This is such a nice, refreshing break from sitting in a building communicating with teachers,” Garland said.

Andrea Alewine, a counselor at Keowee Elementary, chimed in: “It’s a great networking experience that we rarely get.”

Mickey Nichols, a special education teacher at Tamassee-Salem Middle and High School, said the event brings a sense of unity among educators spread out among the five attendance zones of Seneca, Walhalla, Westminster, Fair Play/Oakway and Tamassee-Salem.

“It’s great to be able to see all my colleagues gathered together to celebrate learning,” Nichols said. “It’s great to be able to see everyone working together for a common goal.”

Bennie Cunningham Jr., a career counselor at West-Oak High School, found himself standing on the same football field he once spent many a Friday night nearly 40 years ago as a member of the Seneca Bobcats. Cunningham, who also enjoyed a 10-year NFL career as a tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers, in which he earned two Super Bowl rings, reflected on returning to the field as an educator.

“It’s fantastic, getting together to talk with teachers and commune,” Cunningham said. “This is an enjoyable time to eat and share.”

Monday’s celebration featured outgoing school board chairman Harry Mays Jr., who was first elected to the board in 1982, as the guest of honor. Mays presided over his final board meeting last week and Monday received his own special plate of barbecue (his favorite) at his final function.

“We are in good shape with total finances, even though it isn’t as good as we would like,” Mays said. “But we’re better off than other districts across the state.”