It’s been said that a teacher affects eternity, and can never tell where the influence stops.

For more than 40 years, Lynda Powell has had her hand in the Covington County School system, from teaching English and social science to students at Florala area schools and Pleasant Home until 1997, and then serving on the board of education from 1998 until the present.

During her tenure, the board of education has completed numerous building projects as well as technology, safety upgrades, upgrades to athletic facilities and field improvement.

Tuesday, fellow members of the

board recognized her for that service.

Board member Jimmy Prestwood, who has served with Powell for years, said that she has always been easy and good to work with, through thick and thin.

Board member Sonny Thomasson joked that Powell and he go back to their youth when their fathers worked together.

Board President Jimmy Rodgers said that Powell was on the board when he was elected.

“She’s tutored me,” he said. “I know being a teacher, she understands what it takes.”

Board member Jeff Bailey and Powell were both first elected to the board of education 18 years ago.

“Eighteen years ago when I decided to run, I didn’t know Mrs. Powell,” he said. “We were thrown together and became friends. A lot of what I know today, I learned from Mrs. Powell. She’s definitely been a mentor. I’m going to miss you.”

As a testament to the lives Powell has reached through her decades in the education in Covington County, board attorney Allen Woodard said that he had one regret.

“I wish I had sat aside a dollar every time you said, ‘I taught so-and-so or so-and-so’s daughter,’” he said. “If I did, I could retire with you.”

Woodard applauded Powell for working even when she was battling cancer.

“When she became sick, she attended every single board meeting,” he said. “Even after treatment. She fought that illness like a tiger just as she has for our children.”

“I will miss it,” she said. “As the Roy Orbison song says, ‘It’s over.’ “