It was in first grade at Mamie Martin Elementary School thatDanita Hobbs discovered that she wanted to be a teacher, and it isat Mamie Martin she decided to retire from being a schooladministrator.

Hobbs recently announced her retirement from Mamie Martin afterserving as the elementary school’s principal for a decade.

“I feel like I’ve really ministered to the needs of many overthe past 22 years,” said Hobbs of her time with the BrookhavenSchool District. “For the next few years I want to focus on theneeds of my family.”

Hobbs said she is looking forward to spending time with herloved ones and being there for her two sons, Blake and Justin,while they attend graduate school.

“As I look back and look ahead, I don’t want to miss time withfamily,” said Hobbs.

A reception in Hobbs’ honor will be held in the Mamie Martinlibrary from 3:30 until 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. It is open to thepublic.

“I love my job,” said Hobbs. “I love being in education.”

While Hobbs may love her job, it is clear to anyone that hasaccompanied her down the long halls of Mamie Martin that thestudents love her, too, as they constantly stop their principal tosay hello.

“I’m going to miss this,” Hobbs said while receiving a hug froma student.

Hobbs has been inside the Brookhaven School District for about22 years. Prior to becoming Martin’s principal, she served as ateacher and assistant principal at Mullins Elementary School and anassistant principal at Alexander Junior High School.

“The relationships that I’ve created and made throughout allthese years is a special thing,” said Hobbs.

While Hobbs shares a special bond with her students, faculty andstaff, it is seeing these relationships come to an end that is thehardest part for the school principal.

“It was my goal to create a family of educators here,” saidHobbs. “The hardest part right now is breaking the ties.”

Hobbs will remain at Mamie Martin until June 30. However, shesays she plans to stay involved with the school district and thecommunity even after she leaves the principal’s office.

“Education is in my heart,” said Hobbs. “I’ll always look for anopportunity to be involved.”