Honoring employees retiring from Hughson Unified in 2025

Name: Cindy Benham

Position: Principal’s secretary/data entry specialist, Hughson Alternative Education

Years in the district: As of June 5th, I will have completed 20 years at the Alt Ed site.

Favorite memories/accomplishments:  I have so many wonderful memories I’ll take with me, but I think my favorite memories are of the graduation ceremonies over the years. The students all decked out in their graduation regalia, proud parents/family members, the smiles and laughter. I believe my greatest accomplishments are being able to help other staff members in our SIS, Aeries. I’m very proud of all the work I’ve accomplished. There are just too many things to list!

What will you miss the most? The students, because they keep me young and my staff -- Paul Gose, Dak Champeaux, Ken Rickard, Vaughn Pike, Priscilla McCumber, Sara Hudson and Justice Futch.  Paul Gose and I have been working together since 2005-06 in Alt Ed and let’s just say we’ve been through a LOT!

Any special retirement plans? Absolutely! We have a big trip to Disneyland planned for November and I plan on traveling to Oregon to visit relatives, to Montana to visit friends and to Michigan to visit family. I also plan to purchase a new Bernina sewing machine so I can get back to quilting; I have a LOT of unfinished quilt tops and jackets! I also plan to start a lunch business and a cookie business. I’ll also be bringing my grandson to school every day. It’ll be strange not to pull into the Alt Ed parking lot after dropping him off at school.