Hundreds of friends, family members, coworkers and state department of education officials came to a reception last Thursday to honor retiring Shelby County Schools Superintendent Evan Major.

Major will officially retire as superintendent on Dec. 31, although his last school board meeting will be next Thursday, Oct. 19.

During the reception&8217;s program, Dr. Joe Morton spoke on behalf of the State Department of Education and Governor Bob Riley. Morton praised Major for his work in education.

&8220;No one could have managed this county&8217;s growth like he has, while never losing sight of the most valuable asset, our children,&8221; Morton said. &8220;The contributions he has made to education in this state are incomparable.&8221;

Alabama State Representative Mike Hill also presented Major with a resolution from the state legislature, commending him for his eight years as superintendent as well as his philanthropic contributions with the United Way.

On behalf of the system&8217;s 3,000 employees Larry Headrick, Shelby County high school coordinator, gave Major a certificate for a weekend course at the Bird Golf Academy in Orlando, where Major will train with a PGA tour golfer.

Finally, Elvin Hill, a former county superintendent who first hired Major, spoke, telling Major that everyone in the county owes Major a great deal of gratitude.

&8220;There&8217;s no way I can thank everyone,&8221; said Major. &8220;This school just didn&8217;t become great. It had a great foundation. And it will continue to be great under Mr. Fuller [Randy Fuller, superintendent-elect]. It&8217;s about the children. If we do that the rest will take care of itself.&8221;