As former educators, the members of the Charlotte County Retired Teachers Association (CCRTA) continue to impact the lives of students and community members across Charlotte County through their dedication and service.

“The CCRTA was formed in Charlotte County in the 1990s,” said CCRTA President Kaye Lucado. “We currently have 50 members. It is a part of the state and district retired teachers.”

According to Lucado, the retired teachers association carries the same purpose as the larger-level organizations.

“It is to serve, not be served,” she said. “Our organization is open to any school employees. It was started to help retired teachers be knowledgeable of things that affect them and also to help them develop programs to help others.”

In addition to serving as a guide for retired teachers, the organization gives back to the future of educators in Charlotte County through their annual scholarship program.

“We will give a $1,000 scholarship this year to a high school senior or college student who wants to be a teacher,” Lucado said. She said the organization began giving out scholarships in 2002.

In February, the association held a stew to help raise money for this year’s scholarship.

Last year’s scholarship recipient Cassie Long said the scholarship encourages students who have a desire to pursue a career in education.

“Not only does the scholarship provide financial assistance, but also a support team of individuals that are experienced in education,” Long said. “If one connects with these individuals, they are then given the opportunity to learn from these former teachers in a way that will help them become a better educator themselves.”

The Charlotte County Retired Teachers currently only provide scholarships for aspiring teachers, but helps to unite the county through various initiatives.

“We give all second graders a book of their own and volunteer in many school programs,” Lucado said. “We helped create the Cleaner Greener Committee to promote recycling in our county.”

Lucado said the organization has held yard sales in the past, though now a majority of the fundraising efforts come from member donations and stews.

All retired school employees are invited to join the CCRTA. Meetings are held four times a year, and the next meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. on May 3 at Sheldon’s Restaurant in Keysville.