The Gazebo Gazette
PASS CHRISTIAN (GG) — As the 2025-2026 school year draws to a close, the Pass Christian Public School District is preparing to say goodbye to two pillars of the educational community. The Board of Trustees recently issued official resolutions to honor Charlene Stephens and Lisa Harvey, celebrating a combined 56 years of dedicated service to the field of education. While they both prepare for well-deserved retirements in June 2026, the impact they have made on the “Pirate” culture and the lives of their students will remain part of the district’s heartbeat for years to come.
Charlene Stephens
With 23 years of teaching experience—21 of which were dedicated specifically to the students of Pass Christian—Charlene Stephens has been far more than an educator; she has been the school’s “culture keeper.” Known affectionately as “Miss America,” Stephens was celebrated for her deep compassion, ensuring that no student ever went hungry under her watch.
Beyond the classroom, she was a multi-faceted leader, serving as the Student Council Sponsor and the driving force behind the Sunshine Club. Her organizational talents brought life to the school through the annual Veterans’ Day program, Homecoming festivities, and student dances. Even the local community will feel her absence. Stephens now looks forward to moving to Memphis with her husband, Rick, to be closer to her family and her beloved Ole Miss.
Lisa Harvey
Lisa Harvey’s retirement marks the conclusion of an impressive 33-year career in education. A proud Pass Christian alumna, Harvey returned to her hometown schools to give back to the community that shaped her. Her journey within the district is a testament to her perseverance; she began her career as a paraprofessional in 2007 and, through hard work, became a certified teacher in 2014.
Harvey is highly regarded for creating a highly structured and nurturing special education classroom where every learner was treated with fairness and dignity. Her colleagues and students will remember her for her unwavering dedication and patient guidance that ensured every student had the opportunity to thrive. As she enters retirement, Harvey looks forward to traveling and spending cherished time with her three children, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
A Final Salute
On February 10, 2026, the Board of Trustees officially commended both women for their service, ordering that their resolutions be made a permanent part of the district minutes. While the halls of the Pass Christian Public School District will feel different without them, the legacy of success and compassion they leave behind will inspire future generations of Pirates.
Pictured Above: (Left to Right) Principal Jed Mooney, Charlene Stephens, and Lisa Harvey. Pass Christian Public School District submitted photo.
