Lynn Stephens has taught special education for over 40 years, including 20 years at Swift Creek Middle in Chesterfield and the last 22 at Powhatan Middle. Bradley Kopelove, who teaches art at Powhatan Middle, said Stephens welcomed her with open arms when she started at the school just under two years ago.

"Lynn is one of the best people that I know," Kopelove said. "She made feel really at home in Powhatan. I was at Richmond Public Schools for the last 13 years, and I made the transition to Powhatan, and she welcomed me with open arms."

Stephens had planned to retire at the end of last school year but her husband, John, was diagnosed with leukemia. With John beginning extensive treatment at VCU in April, she postponed her retirement to continue working and supporting her family while ta

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