After 35 years of shaping young minds, Angie Denver, one of Glenn A. Duffy Elementary’s beloved second grade teachers, will retire at the end of this school year. Known for creating a welcoming and positive classroom environment, Mrs. Denver has helped shape the lives of countless young learners.
Her journey into teaching began with a love for both education and music. A 1984 graduate of Greenland High School, Angie Denver knew she wanted to be either a teacher or a band director. She ultimately pursued a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Arkansas while staying active in several Razorback bands. It was through her involvement in the Razorback bands that she met her husband, James Denver, a Gravette native. After graduating in 1989, they moved back to this neck of the woods, and by 1991, Mrs. Denver officially joined the Gravette School District. She began her multi-decade teaching career with third grade, and after 12 years moved to teaching second grade.
For Mrs. Denver, great teachers are a source of joy for children. “You can tell when someone is excited about what they’re teaching, it draws kids in,” she said. Whether it was the spark of a science experiment or the daily rhythm of classroom routines, she worked to create an environment where students felt engaged and cared for. Her own fourth-grade teacher, a German native who taught her German holiday songs, left a lasting impression that helped shape her desire to make learning memorable.
Mrs. Denver said that some of the most powerful lessons from her time as a teacher came from the students themselves. “They’ve taught me love,” she said as she reflected on a tragic experience. One year, a student of hers passed away from a brain tumor, having only made it to second grade. Another one of her students was diagnosed with the same condition years later, but thankfully survived and continues his education in Gravette today. “They teach you about life, things you didn’t know because you weren’t affected by them growing up.”
Over the course of more than three decades, Mrs. Denver witnessed the district grow substantially. When she started, there were only four teachers per grade, today there are nearly double. She also saw how, as Gravette has expanded, so has the camaraderie among families, local organizations, and community members. “The community is more involved now than when I started,” she said, “There wasn’t as much community input before.”
One of her proudest accomplishments has been shaped by Gravette’s growing community spirit: the founding of a now-beloved tradition, the annual second-grade “walking field trip”. Designed to connect students with the town around them, the experience includes visits to the local museum, career center, and interactive stations hosted by the police and visiting artists. “The community loves it so much that if we don’t call early enough in the year, they start calling us,” she said.
Mrs. Denver won’t be stepping away from Gravette Schools entirely just yet. She’ll still be performing some limited duties in the district and will continue to make appearances at local events. For her future, she looks forward to hopefully becoming a grandmother soon, spending more time with her two dogs, and diving into her favorite hobbies: painting, diamond art, and crafting. She and her husband remain heavily invested in the Gravette community, and while substitute teaching is a possibility, she’s not rushing into it. “Not yet,” she smiled. “A little bit of a break, please.”
Below are some reflections from colleagues, students, and families thanking Mrs. Denver and wishing her well.
Angi, congratulations on your retirement. You’ve touched so many lives with your kindness, caring and uplifting attitude. Students and colleagues alike have been truly lucky to know you. Your unwavering dedication, (even when surviving on popcorn and Dr Pepper alone), never went unnoticed. You’re more than just a teacher, you’ve been an inspiration and a wonderful figure in so many lives. Wishing you all the joy and relaxation you deserve in retirement. You’ll be deeply missed. Enjoy it… you deserve every nap, every quiet morning and every sip of Dr Pepper without a bell ringing in the background!
With lots of love, Stephanie
Mrs. Denver,
I would like to start off by saying congratulations!!! Your retirement is very well deserved. You have watched me grow up and become a mother and it was a complete honor for my children to have been able to experience your legacy as well. A legacy is definitely what you are leaving and Gravette is so lucky to have had you as an educator.
Enjoy this new season of life
With so much love - The Thompson Family
Oh Angie! What am I going to do without my ever dependable neighbor keeping me in line? I will miss all the times that you were there for me in a flash and had my back. You have given 35 glorious years to teaching and you deserve a break, a hug, and a Dr. Pepper! Love you and please don't be a stranger!!
-Rutledge
Congratulations on your retirement! You have inspired so many, including me. Now you will have more time to do Razorback Band Alumni events!
-David Poemoceah
Liam Summerfield’s forever favorite teacher! We love you!!! Enjoy retirement!
We’re happy to celebrate your hard-earned retirement but will miss you in these halls! You have been a blessing to both my girls and to me as a mother, parent, and most recently a coworker. Wishing you nothing but happiness and fun in your retirement! All our
-Love,
Addie, Cora & Emily
Congratulations on your retirement, Angie! I cherish the time I spent on the GDE 2nd grade team with you and wish you the absolute best as you embark on a new journey full of good times and happiness. May your popcorn and Dr. Pepper stash never run out! Enjoy your retirement...you've worked hard to earn it.
-Vicki
Congratulations on your retirement! You’ve worked hard for this moment. Blessings to you on this new season of life. Enjoy it!
-Kim Brunkhardt
Mornings will not be the same without Angie!! Every morning since I have started teaching, I have come in to Angie being early (quite early) working hard with a big smile on her face!! She is for sure a morning person!! Angie is so dependable, hard working, and the best team player!! Angie it has been an honor and joy to get to work alongside you!!! You will be greatly missed!!! Thank you for all your amazing years of service in education!!!
-Jennifer Davis
Mrs. Denver,
Your love and dedication to the Gravette community and school is such an inspiration. I feel so blessed that not only did I get to have you as my third grade teacher but also got the honor of working alongside you. You are the reason I wanted to become a teacher!! I hope you enjoy every second of retirement! You deserve it!
Love,
BambiCongratulations! I wish you the best as you start this new path.
-Zane Vanderpool, GDE Principal 2007-2020
Dear Mrs. Denver,
I wanted to take a moment to thank you—not just for being an incredible teacher, but for being the reason I chose to become one myself. Your passion, patience, and the way you truly believed in your students left a lasting impression on me. You didn’t just teach lessons—you inspired purpose, confidence, and a love of learning that shaped who I am today. Getting to now work alongside you, in the same school and even the same grade level, feels like the most meaningful full-circle moment. It’s a constant reminder of where my journey started and the kind of teacher I strive to be. Thank you for being my teacher, my inspiration, and now my colleague. It’s an honor to walk this path with you. Now go enjoy your retirement! You deserve it! With love and all the best!
-Stormy
I was privileged to work with you for several years on your team in 2nd grade. We made so many good memories. I always knew you had my back no matter what. Thank you for your continuous support working together. I always knew I could run down to your room and ask you to help with anything and your answer would be, “absolutely”! I always look back on those days together with a smile as I remember the laughter, care, and love I felt from you. I am so thankful that God put you and that whole team of teachers in my life during that time. I will never forget how you went above and beyond when Coltrane got sick, I don’t think we could have made it through those times without all that you did. When I think about the love and support I felt during that time, I am brought to tears at how much God blessed me. You are a wonderful teacher and friend. Your love for your students inspired me to be a better teacher and person. I’m wishing you all the best in your next phase of life. Congratulations, you are so loved!
-Sonja Smith
Congratulations! It's been such an honor to work with you at Glenn Duffy. I wish you the very best in this new adventure! Enjoy your time!
-Candis Jones
It has been a pleasure to work beside you for so many years! I have enjoyed watching our children grow and our friendship develop. Your impact will carry on in every student you have inspired. Wishing you all the joy and adventure retirement can bring. You have earned it.-Amber Sisemore
Dear Mrs. Denver,
After 35 incredible years of dedication, passion, and hard work, it’s time to celebrate your well-earned retirement. Your contributions have shaped not only the success of this organization but also the lives of so many of us who had the privilege of working alongside you.
Your wisdom, integrity, and positive spirit have been a guiding light and an inspiration to all. From your first day to your last, you’ve consistently gone above and beyond, leaving a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
Though we’ll miss your daily presence, we’re excited for you to begin this next chapter—filled with relaxation, new adventures, and well-deserved joy. Thank you for everything you’ve done. You’ve made a difference here that words can't fully express.
Wishing you all the best in your retirement!
Warmest regards,
Your Favorite Glenn Duffy Elementary Coworkers and Friends