2009
South Carolina
Teacher Forum
Winter Workshop
February 11-13, 2009
1
Abbeville
Adrienne Padner
2
Aiken
•
“Mrs. Pappas is an educator who is more than
a disseminator of information. She assists her
students in the acquisition of knowledge and
skills as well as personal growth and maturity.
Her creativity and resourcefulness enriches her
ability to work with others in a cooperative
teaching environment. Given her ability to
inspire, encourage, and motivate our students
to achieve to the best of their abilities, she is
been an asset to Paul Knox Middle School.”
Brenda Smith, Principal,
Paul Know Middle School
Gaye Pappas
3
Allendale
•
“Rose is a wonderful teacher. She is a
special needs teacher. She makes each
child feel unique and they love to go to her
room. She greets them with a smile and
calls them by name. You can tell that is
great admiration from her students. If you
could say one thing about Mrs. Boykin
"she loves her students before she
teaches them."
Sonja Dunbar, Principal
Allendale-Fairfax High School
Rose White Boykin
Anderson 1
•
“Dr. Whisenhunt loves his students and also loves
the content that he uncovers every day. His
enthusiasm for teaching and the joy he receives
from student learning is exceptional. He works
tirelessly to ensure that his students grasp very
complex material constantly entertaining groups
of students who come before and after school for
extra help and deeper understanding. He is
constantly pushing students to grasp deeper and
fuller understandings of the world of science using
a variety of methods and techniques to
accomplish this task.”
G. Robert Binnicker, Principal,
Wren High School
James Whisenhunt
5
Anderson 2
•
“Lorena has a wonderful rapport with all
students. Her ability to connect with her students
and her talent at teaching reading are both truly
superior. It is not uncommon for Lorena to
become teary-eyed as she shares success
stories of her students’ accomplishments. She
believes in each student who enters her
classroom by planting the seeds of knowledge
and high expectations, nurturing her students
until they blossom into readers. Teaching is not
a vocation for Lorena; it is a passion.”
Adrienne Davenport, Principal,
Belton Elementary School
Lorena Newton
6
Anderson 3
•
“Mrs. Craft is patient and understanding with her
students. Her classes are always involved in many
activities, which make learning fun and meaningful.
She spends a great amount of time planning quality
hands on activities for her students. She has shown
the ability to work with students at all levels and
needs. Student achievement in her classroom is
commendable and all students experience success
while under her guidance. She is a great teacher
and role model for the students she serves.”
Eric Hughes, Principal
Iva Elementary School
Shawn Craft
7
Anderson 4
•
“Mrs. Hawkins is very innovative, organized
and readily accepts a challenge. She has
the passion and drive to ensure success in
all of her students. She truly, "Leaves no
child behind", as demonstrated by Mrs.
Hawkins' student's love for her and their
standardized test scores. She is a model for
professional behavior and always does the
little things that distinguish the good
teachers from the great ones.”
Kevin Black, EdD, Principal
Riverside Middle School
Wendy Hawkins
Anderson 5
•
“Anne Harder is one of Hanna's master
teachers. She possesses that unique combination
of qualities that allows her to meet the needs of a
wide range of student abilities. She teaches
everything from our highest level --- a college level
Advanced Placement English class – to a class with
students who have scored below standard on state
testing. She is also securing the teaching profession
by teaching our Teacher Cadet class. The results
are phenomenal.”
Sheila Hilton, Principal,
T.L. Hanna High School
Anne Harder
9
Bamberg 2
•
“Our teacher of the year is a wonderful
person. She is warm, funny, and very
considerate. She is a teacher that stays
late to prepare her class for the following
day. She puts forth a great effort to
complete any task that is given to
her. Mrs. Caldwell cares about her
students and tries very hard to make sure
they learn. I am very proud to have her on
my staff.”
Tonya D. Thomas, Assistant Principal
Denmark-Olar Elementary School
Betty Caldwell
Barnwell 19
•
“Mrs. Holiday is not content to merely maintain the
status quo as far as teaching methods is
concerned and constantly strives to find and
implement new and better ways of communicating
the wonders of science and social studies. She is
committed to the fundamental belief that every
student with whom she comes in contact has an
innate value and great potential. Her students, coworkers and supervisors can all testify to her
strong commitment to the betterment of her
students and of the community in general.”
Karen Johnson
Macedonia Elementary
Sybrenda Holiday
11
Barnwell 45
•
“Mrs. Briggs is a teacher who inspires
student achievement through the use of
technology. She demonstrates to all
students respect and compassion and sets
the teaching bar at a height that only
master teachers attain. She shares her
knowledge of math with all students
regardless of their academic level and
demonstrates concern and communication
with all stakeholders in education.”
Dr. John A. Bass, Principal
Guinyard Butler Middle School
Tammy Briggs
12
Beaufort
•
“Mr. Mike Allen is a focused, dedicated
teacher. He is excellent at developing a
common vision among his students and helping
them realize their vision. Mr. Allen works
tirelessly helping students master the skills
necessary to be successful in his robotics
classes. He empowers them to utilize their new
found understandings and skills to create new
learning beyond the classroom. Mike Allen
develops life-long learners.”
Daniel H. Durbin, Ed.D, Principal
Beaufort High School
Mike Allen
13
Berkeley
•
“Harold is the most altruistic gentleman with
whom I have had the pleasure of working. He
supports his Moderate to Severe Disability
students daily during the school year and at a
camp that he hosts during the summers. Harold
goes above and beyond to assist his fellow
teachers in blossoming into educational leaders
and advocates as he works with them to become
Highly Qualified, contributes to our school
leadership team, and leads the Teacher Forum for
our district.”
Dr. Kim McLaren, Principal
Berkeley High School
Harold Tabor
14
Calhoun
Anita Fersner
Charleston
•
“Whether Ms. Benton is contributing from the
English-Language Arts department on our
Academic Leadership Team, teaching
reading, or facilitating a reading professional
development session, she carries out each
duty exceptionally and enthusiastically. As a
woman of integrity and good old fashioned
values, Ms. Benton connects and works with
the faculty and staff to move Morningside
students to a high level of academic
performance. Excellence is her standard.”
Kala T. Goodwine, Principal
Morningside Middle School
Gwendolyn Benton
16
Cherokee
•
“If I could create the ideal school, Syreeta
Greene would be my model for all teachers.
She exemplifies compassion tempered with
high expectations, creativity balanced by
standards, and professionalism infused with
great warmth. She is a magnet for students
needing help and guidance and an inspiration
for us all.”
Marlene Davis, Principal,
Gaffney Senior High School
Syreeta Greene
Chester
•
“Tonya is a leader among her peers. She is
enthusiastically helpful to her colleagues,
particularly when it comes to
technology. She persistently maintains a
positive attitude and will seek out any data or
methods necessary to help her students
succeed. She also has a wonderful sense of
humor andhas a close relationship with her
family of fellow second grade teachers.”
Jerry Digh, Principal,
Great Falls Elementary School
Tonya Weir
18
Chesterfield
•
“Mrs. Atkinson is a dynamic teacher who puts
her whole heart into her craft. She loves her
students, and they love her because they know
she cares for them. Her patience and sincerity
are apparent as she works to create an
environment that simulates and nurtures young
learners. She challenges them and encourages
them to take risks, and they thrive under her
careful guidance and tutelage. She truly
possesses the “art” of teaching.”
Scott Eddins, Principal,
Cheraw Intermediate School
Polly Atkinson
19
Clarendon 1
•
“Cindy is an outstanding teacher. She is very
passionate about teaching and particularly
working with students who have learning
disabilities. Her success rate with students
attaining standard on the HSAP Exit
Examination has been phenomenal. We are
confident that she would also be an
excellent example of the outstanding
teachers in South Carolina.”
Bernard McDaniel, Principal
Scott’s Branch High School
Cindy Brunson
Clarendon 2
•
“Mrs. Hardy has faith that all special needs
children can and will learn. She has a heart
filled with determination to do what is right for
the children in our school. She is an inspiring
educator that believes in the profession and in
‘thinking out of the box’ to plan educational
programs to meet the needs of all children no
matter the disability. To her ‘special’ is
defined as extraordinary!”
Betty Harrington, Principal
Manning Early Childhood Center
Roxanne Hardy
21
Clarendon 3
•
"Mrs. Morgan is one of those rare individuals
who has the ability to connect with everyone
especially children. She builds a sense of
community in the classroom where students
care not only about learning but also about
each other. She sets high standards for herself
and her students and works hard to make sure
these standards are reached. Colleagues seek
her advice, parents depend on her guidance
and the administration holds her in high
esteem."
Cathie Hartzog. Principal,
Gallman Elementary School
Mandi Morgan
Colleton
•
“Renee believes that our children are like
mirrors—they reflect our attitudes in life. It is
while observing Renee interacts with her
students that you get an idea of just how much
she loves her students and understands how her
behavior influences these little lives. Her class
management, planning, caring, understanding of
the standards, high expectations, and dedication
to teaching these children makes her a role
model for all teachers at all grade levels. She
spends countless hours preparing to make her
classroom a place where students want to
achieve and learn.”
Karl Naugle, Principal,
Cottageville Elementary School
Shelley R. Boyles
Darlington
•
"When I think of her as an instructor, I really see
her as an artisan. Whether she is a sculptor, a
painter, a potter, a composer, or an architect
depends on which day it is, which lesson she's
teaching, and which of her precious students
she's working with. Her craftsmanship is always
of high quality and beyond what most aspire to
do. She consistently makes and molds serious,
competitive students out of students who enter
her classroom with deficits, fears, and
disadvantages. In my estimation, she is among
the best teachers I have every had the
opportunity to work alongside."
Kim Mason, Principal
Rosenwald Elementary/Middle School
Amber Hutchins
24
Dillon 1
Wesley Revels
25
Dillon 2
•
“I am so very proud of Celeste! She is not
only a fabulous teacher, she is a fabulous
person. Her positive attitude sets the stage
for her success as a teacher, friend, and
colleague. She is an asset to our school
and community! We love her!”
Bobbie Walters, Principal,
East Elementary School
Celeste Gough
26
Dillon 3
•
“Mrs. Berry has natural leadership abilities.
Teachers respect her and value her
instructional insights. She sets her standards
high for herself, her students, and teachers
that she works with. Seldom does one find
an instructor who is a natural teacher with
leadership qualities as well. She is creative
in planning her technology meetings for the
staff development and is always on call
when needed.”
George Liebenrood, Principal
Latta High School
Christy Berry
27
Dorchester 2
•
“Mr. Thompson’s deep understanding
of his field, his personal drive and
determination, and his shared decisionmaking approach to teaching make him
an excellent teacher. He fosters a
strong enthusiasm for learning. Mr.
Thompson consistently supports other
teachers and creates an efficient, safe,
community-oriented environment as a
school leader. He is self-motivated and
highly respected by the administration,
staff, and students of Rollings Middle
School of the Arts.”
Camilla Pickney
Timothy Thompson
28
Dorchester 4
•
“It is an absolute pleasure to have such a
genuine person such as Ms. Gadson in our
building. Her personality and ability as a teacher
make her such a vital piece to our school and our
faculty's success. It is very tough to walk by her
classroom without stopping to watch her dynamic
lessons and genuine love for her students. Her
energy, professionalism and charisma are what
set her apart from others. Our school and district
are very fortunate to have such a fine educator
and person to represent us.”
Jeff Beckwith, Principal
Williams Memorial Elementary School
Valerie Gadson
29
Edgefield
Debbie Courtney
Fairfield
Charlene McMillan
Florence 1
•
“Sandra has an excellent rapport with her
students. She shows a sincere interest in them
as individuals and is consistently fair in dealing
with them. She constantly searches for ways to
make her teaching more interesting and
effective. Sandra frequently volunteers to help in
other aspects of the school. I consider Sandra a
very capable and dedicated teacher and an
asset to field of education. It is not easy finding
teachers with her talent, ambition, and
drive. She truly is an amazing person.”
Pam Quick, Principal,
West Florence High
Sandra Welch
32
Florence 2
Lenease Brickers
33
Florence 3
•
“We are very fortunate to have Mrs. Rosales
teaching at Olanta Elementary. Just to be able
to sit in her classroom and observe her
teaching - is truly a joy! She has a way of
making every lesson meaningful and fun,
and is able to bring out the best in her
students. She is a born teacher who is not only
loved by her students but also highly respected
by her peers. It is an honor to work with Mrs.
Rosales and our students are blessed to have
her as their teacher.”
Becky Hobbs, Principal
Olanta Elementary
Amanda Rosales
34
Florence 4
Heath Stokes
Florence 5
•
“Amanda is an outstanding teacher who
has a genuine care for the success of her
students. She is motivating , inspiring, and
helpful to all students that come in contact
with her. Johnsonville High School is very
proud to have her as teacher and a friend.”
Stevie Phillips, Principal
Johnsonville High School
Amanda McKee
36
Georgetown
•
“When you enter Derenda Marshall's room you
need to fasten your seatbelt, Your about to
take a ride on the Magic School Bus. Her
physical energy sucks the children into the
lesson. She was instrumental in McDonald
Elementary becoming the first Project Learning
Tree Environmental School in South Carolina.
The McDonald family is proud to call her one of
its own.”
Miriam Daniels, Principal,
McDonald Elementary School
Derenda Marshall
37
Greenville
•
“JoAnn skillfully demonstrates an understanding
of the developmental needs of young children,
and creates an wonderful atmosphere for
learning. She demonstrates an extraordinary
ability to identify students who are struggling, as
a result of their special needs. JoAnn's teaching
exemplifies her knowledge, poise , enthusiasm,
and most of all, her passion and commitment to
children and their families. I believe that not only
is she changing the lives of her students, she is
making a profound educational impact in our
schools and in Greenville County.”
Doris Santanello, Principal
Overbrook Child Development Center
JoAnn Timberlake
38
Greenwood 50
Greg Rice
39
Greenwood 51
•
“Mrs. McGrew is a valued member of the
Ware Shoals Elementary School faculty. Her
positive attitude and love of the students are
reflected in the outstanding quality of the
program of instruction that she maintains at
Ware Shoals. Her enthusiasm, her
innovativeness, and her genuine concern for
education are exemplary. Her flexibility in
working with students, teachers, and the
public has earned her an enviable reputation
as an excellent teacher who truly cares about
people.”
Nancy Brown
Krystal McGrew
40
Greenwood 52
•
“Fitz Sprowl is one of the hardest working
individuals I’ve ever worked with. He teaches
bell-to-bell and creates engaging assignments
for his classes. The relationships he builds
with students extend past graduation day. As
a co-sponsor of the student council, he
dedicates a great deal of after-school hours
helping this group achieve their goals and
objectives. It is my pleasure and honor to
work with Fitz Sprowl.”
Rex Ward, Principal
Ninety Six High School
Fitz Sprowl
41
Hampton 1
Gail Stanley
Hampton 2
Sherrie Smart
Horry
•
“When Jean was named Horry County Teacher of
the Year, she brought a tidal wave of hope to the
students, staff and parents of a rural,
impoverished community. Her cheerful
personality and encouraging words embody the
lyrics to the song Wind Beneath My Wings as a
teacher leader at Loris Middle School. She
makes a difference daily in the lives of all of the
students she encounters whether in the
classroom or in the hallway and she inspires the
staff to join her on the walk of excellence. She is
the teacher every parent would want for his or
her child.”
Judy Beard, Principal
Loris Middle School
Jean Burden
44
Jasper
Christina Walker
45
Kershaw
•
“Angie Lawson exudes a personal
passion for teaching that lies in her
potential to influence children in a positive
manner through the performing arts. Ms.
Lawson has strengthened ties to the
community through numerous after-hours
activities such as Tinikling, Boy Scouts,
Key Board Lessons, and Honors Chorus.
She works tirelessly to make Pine Tree
Hill Elementary and the students be the
very best they can be. We are truly
blessed to have such an outstanding
teacher!”
Lisa Shannon, PhD, Principal
Pine Tree Hill Elementary
Angie Lawson
46
Lancaster
•
“Deirdra Chandler's students are fortunate
to have an environment which allows them
to be comfortable. Some students are in
desks, some are working from bean bag
chairs and some are sitting on rugs. All are
relaxed and engaged in activities. Deirdra
respects the differences in children and has
an amazingly natural way of meeting their
needs. Deirdra does not accept failure and
sees a student's failure as her own. She
works tirelessly to meet with co-workers to
find ways to reach all children. She is truly
a leader.”
Jane Gaston, Principal,
Erwin Elementary
Deirdra Chandler
47
Laurens 55
•
“Deborah embodies the most positive attributes
of an educator. She exudes enthusiasm and
motivates even the most reluctant learner as
she brings literature to life everyday in her
classroom. She loves her students and they
understand that they are fortunate to have been
assigned to her care. She knows that it is more
important to develop life-long readers than to
dissect literature. She is a model for teachers
at Laurens District 55 High School as she
works tirelessly to meet the needs of her
students while pushing herself to enhance her
knowledge of and implement best practice in
her classroom.”
Wayne McIntosh, Principal
Laurens District 55 High School
Debbie Simpson
48
Laurens 56
•
“Mr. Schoolfield is an amazing motivator
of students! His students consistently
perform at the highest levels on the
Algebra End of Course Test and he has
had a 100% pass rate for the last 4
years. Although there are many
educators that have learned to motivate
students, David has had that natural
ability since his first year teaching and
coaching. He is fortunate to have already
seen the ‘big picture.’"
Maureen Tiller, Principal,
Bell Street Middle School
David Schoolfield
Lee
Sandra Frazier
50
Lexington 1
•
“Pam is more than our Teacher of the
Year – she is a teacher for all
seasons. She is serious but teaches and
relates to middle schoolers - they want to
learn. She makes learning palatable and
exciting. Pam Light has made a second
“career” out of community service and
involvement most effectively. Pam does
the extraordinary as a matter of fact. On
a mission trip to Nicaragua this fall she
created and maintained a website
allowing her to interact with her students.”
Dr. Nancy L. Turner, Principal,
White Knoll Middle School
Pamela Light
51
Lexington 2
Shannon Cornelius
52
Lexington 3
•
“Betsy McEwen is a natural born
teacher. She came to education from the
banking profession because I think she
knew that her “it” was in teaching. She
works from day one to build a community
where students love learning. Her high
expectations and genuine concern for
every student set her apart from her
peers. Ms. McEwen reminds our faculty
daily of Jim Collins’ statement,
“Greatness is not a function of
circumstance, but of conscious choice.”
Angie Rye, Principal
Batesburg-Leesville Middle School
Betsy McEwen
53
Lexington 4
•
“It is rare that I have had the opportunity to work
with a professional educator with the ability,
attitude, and leadership of William Green. Mr.
Green is an example of what it means to be a lifelong learner and his ability to share his passion for
learning with his students brings science to life in
his classroom. Mr. Green invests his time,
energy, and instructional skills into each student
and does not allow failure to be an option. Mr.
Green's aims and ambitions are consistently ones
of self-improvement and he approaches each
challenge with humility and a commitment to
excellence.”
Justin Nutter, Principal
Sandhills Middle School
Will Green, Jr.
LexingtonRichland Five
•
“She has vision, desire, and great compassion
for students. She has high expectations for
herself and her students and refuses to allow
either to fail. Because of her dedication and love
for students, she was hand selected as our SAIL
coordinator this year. This is a program designed
to help our most at risk students and has
become a model for other schools in South
Carolina. Lesley has done a great job thus far
with this program. She has definitely earned the
title of Teacher of the Year.”
Mike Satterfield, Principal,
Chapin High School
Lesley Williams
55
Marion 1
•
“Ms. Cook is an excellent teacher and a
leader among our staff. She goes beyond
the call of duty to do what is best for her
students, especially at risk students, and
our school. Under her tutelage students
have received experiences far beyond
the classroom. She is a role model for
novice and veteran teachers. She has a
passion for teaching, learning, and the
education profession. She is an
outstanding ambassador for our school
and profession.”
Alfred McFadden, Principal,
Marion High School
Brandi Cook
56
Marion 2
•
“Mrs. Bame is an extremely
talented artist who is always
searching for creative ways to
merge her love of children and art
to help her students be successful.”
Rebecca Ford, Principal,
McCormick Elementary School
Lou Bame
Marion 7
Nancy Etman
McCormick
•
“Mr. Brown is an asset to McCormick High
School and to the district in several
ways. He is a dedicated math teacher who
works hard to prepare his students for
future endeavors. He is also oversees the
athletic program as the director and head
football coach. Mr. Brown takes a
personal interest in his students, both in
the classroom and on the sports program.”
Sandra Calliham, Ed.D., Supt. McCormick
County School District
Frank Brown
Newberry
Deborah Moore Gallman
60
Oconee
Jenni Clay
61
Orangeburg 3
•
Cardacia is the most vivacious, dedicated and
caring teacher I have ever had the pleasure of
supervising! Vivacious because she never has a
"bad" day. She greets everyone with a smile and
is ready for conversation ALL THE TIME. Her
dedication to the profession is shown daily as she
makes sure every student leaves her classes with
an excellent understanding of the skills
taught. Cardacia cares about the well-being of
her students as well as others through her
involvement with extracurricular activities. Her
middle school Step Team is awesome!
Mamie Dupree, Principal
Cardacia Robinson Green
Orangeburg 4
Dottie Strickland
63
Orangeburg 5
•
“Ms. Dawn Starks is indeed a one in a million
find. She exemplifies everything that
an educator should be. Her students are
always the focus behind every decision that
she makes throughout the day.
Sheridan Elementary is truly a better place
because of Ms. Starks and her dedication to
her profession.”
Xennie Weeks, Principal
Sheridan Elementary
Dawn Starks
64
Palmetto
Unified
Caren Rose
Pickens
•
“Her professionalism and amazing ability to work
on everything from producing a school video,
streamlining videos, helping with parent sessions
and visiting classrooms while smiling all the time
motivates all of our staff to do the same during
their busy days. What I find hard to explain about
the School District of Pickens County’s Teacher of
the Year is her never compromising compassion of
putting students and their learning first. Christina
Connell, through her daily teaching, personal
sacrifices and positive interactions has inspired
students, staff members, other colleagues and
myself to do everything we possibly can despite
whatever obstacles we encounter to serve and
teach our future. She is the best!”
Christina Connell
66
Richland 1
•
"In our current education and economic ear,
there is a demand for immediate positive
results with limited resources. Ms. Dywanna
Smith is the change agent who responds to
this demand with an intelligent recognition of
the issues and viable well-thought out
solutions. She is a visionary with the work
ethic to deliver the needed results. Her
unrelenting mission to increase student
achievement is reflected in her decisions which
are always in the best interest of our
students. Ms. Smith is a visionary, believer,
motivator, learner, pioneer and risk-taker."
Marisa Vickers, Principal
Hand Middle School
Dywanna Smith
Richland 2
•
“Courtney is the true definition of a teacher leader.
She is willing to take on any task and has the ability
to make a difficult task seem easy. Courtney has a
unique talent to reach the most at-risk students and
hold them to the highest expectations. I am honored
to work with a woman who has the skills to manage
a large family by today's standards, teach
outstanding lessons every day, and sponsor several
extracurricular activities. Courtney is truly an
outstanding teacher who is changing the world one
student at a time.”
Katina Davis, Principal
Longleaf Middle School
Courtney Randle
68
S.C. DJJ
•
“Dianne McLean's teaching career has been
characterized by her own desire to learn
and to meet the needs of her students. As
she puts it, I remember well one of my
professors whose advice still resonates with
me: Consider the needs of the student. Dont
think about what you want or what you need
as a teacher. Think about what the student
needs. This sage advice has been at the
heart of her instructional approach
throughout her career. A teacher for more
than 30 years, she continues to be a model
for those who are called to teach and to
make a difference in the lives of children.”
Timonthy Bunch, S.C. DJJ
Marcia Dianne McLean
Saluda
•
“Amy Mitchell is the ideal teacher. She
plans her lessons diligently and implements
them using her exceptional instructional
skills. Ms. Mitchell’s sincere cordiality,
superior competency and caring personality
enable her to establish excellent rapport
with students, parents and colleagues. She
is a truly wonderful representative as
Teacher of the Year at Saluda Elementary
School.”
Joseph M. Cox, Principal
Saluda Elementary School
Amy Mitchell
70
Spartanburg 1
•
“Debra is the hardest working teacher I know. She is
a constant professional that spends hours of her time
working to help students that most need help. She
works late almost everyday and spends every
weekend at the school working on lesson plans, and
planning units that include benchmark tests to help
each student perform better on the EOC in English I.
Her dedication is not limited to books and planning,
she truly loves kids and will do whatever it takes to
ensure that she builds a relationship with each
student and their family. I am the luckiest principal in
America because Debra teaches my daughter.”
Brian J. Sherman, Principal
Landrum High School
Debra Giles
71
Spartanburg 2
•
“I have worked with many exceptional
teachers throughout my career. Without
doubt, Stephanie Cash is a stand-out. She
inspires her students, works well with other
faculty members, and is certainly an asset to
our school and community. I could name
countless achievements but perhaps the most
important thing you need to know is that she
is the epitome of what every teacher should
strive to be. Teaching is her calling and she
loves it. I consider it a privilege and blessing
to have her on our faculty at Chesnee High
School.”
Tom Ezell, Principal
Chesnee High School
Stephanie Cash
72
Spartanburg 3
Kristy Eubanks
73
Spartanburg 4
•
“Gail High will always be a very young
person. She exemplifies Henry Ford's
belief, "Anyone who stops learning is old,
whether at twenty or eighty. But anyone
who keeps learning is young." Ms. High
has a passion for learning, and
she shares this with her students in her
social studies classroom. She hooks
them with stories and trivia and
makes history come alive for them.”
Denise Brown, Principal,
Woodruff Middle School
Gail High
74
Spartanburg 5
•
“Kelly Jewett is the teacher that I wish
that I would have had as a student. She
is energetic, knowledgeable, and loves
her students without reservations. Kelly
has gained the respect and admiration
of her colleagues after just one year at
our school. She is a huge part of the
Byrnes Freshman Academy family.”
Todd E. Hardy, Principal
James F. Byrnes Freshman Academy
Kelly Jewett
75
Spartanburg 6
•
“Mrs. Thigpen is the most caring educator I
have ever known. It does not matter the
color of their skin, the economic level, the
academic/behavior concerns- she welcomes
all to her room with open arms. She sets
high expectations for her students to achieve
and they rise to her expectations. As a
kindergarten teacher for 33 years, Mrs.
Thigpen has started hundreds of children off
to the best start possible in school as she has
not only provided academic success for her
students, she has also helped them develop
a love for learning and school.”
Dr. Cynthia Pridgen, Principal,
Woodland Heights Elementary School
Peggy Thigpen
76
Spartanburg 7
•
“Jane possesses a strong commitment to
her school and community, and her
passion for creating a safe and healthful
environment is contagious. Jane has
been instrumental in developing and
maintaining quality programs at Pine
Street School. With her leadership and
guidance, she has encouraged us all and
taught us ways to lead healthy and
productive lives.”
Ann Chapman Jeter, Principal
Pine Street Elementary School
Jane Abbot
77
Sumter 2
•
“Sharon’s strong commitment to her
students is evident in her daily work. She is
an enthusiastic, gifted teacher whose
classroom reflects her love of learning and
sharing. Sharon never feels that she has
learned everything about teaching; she is
the first to volunteer to attend staff
development training or try something new.
It is a joy to work with Sharon Delaney.”
Marlene De Wit, Principal
Ebenezer Middle School
Sharon Delaney
Sumter 17
•
“Tammi Morris- what a jewel! In my
eighteen years as an educator, I have
never met a teacher more dedicated to
meeting the needs of all of her
students. She possesses a rare ability to
combine great compassion and caring with
high expectations and outstanding
pedagogical skills. Her style earns the
trust and respect of her students and
enables them to maximize their God given
potential. Mrs. Morris is a class act in
every way and is well loved by our entire
school family.”
Phillip W. Jackson, Principal,
Kingsbury Elementary School
Tamara Morris
79
Union
•
"Mr. Lewis is a contagiously enthusiastic
individual who seeks to educate students
utilizing the most up-to-date technology
and teaching techniques in a fun-filled,
energetic environment that is conducive to
learning! All students eagerly anticipate
being in his classes and walk away with a
new appreciation for music and learning.“
Kathy Taylor, Principal
Excelsior Middle School
Walter Lewis
Williston
•
“Beth is an outstanding teacher. She is
extremely passionate about teaching
math to students with the expectation
that they all can be successful. She
routinely stays after school tutoring
students and communicating with
parents. She is dedicated to her
profession and is well respected by
students and staff alike. We are very
fortunate to have Beth as a teacher at
our school and as a representative of our
district.”
Skip Lax, Principal
Williston-Elko High School
Beth McCarty
81
York 1
Leslie Templeton
82
York 2
•
“Beth Collins, York 2 (Clover) District
Teacher of the Year is 50% mind, 50%
heart and 100% dedication. She has the
knowledge and skills to reach every
student she serves, the compassion and
love to be an advocate for each
individual, and the persistence and ethics
to be an example for all of us
educators. Each day she creates a
legacy. We are honored to be
associated with such an exemplary
teacher.”
Dr. Tommy Schmolze, Principal
Clover High School
Beth Collins
York 3
•
"I have always found Mr. Coburn to be very
professional in his approach to
education. He works well with others and is
a competent, knowledgeable, and dedicated
professional. He is an outstanding educator
whose passion and first priority is
teaching. Through grants, he has developed
an engineering lab that is well equipped and
provides an excellent learning environment
for his students. The students know that he
cares about their success and is invested in
their education."
James Blake, Principal
Northwestern High School
Bryan Coburn
84
York 4
•
"Jeanie Whitten is a master teacher at
Fort Mill High School. She does the
things necessary to involve and engage
students each day in her class. Her
Physics classes are rigorous and fun for
her students. Mrs. Whitten embodies all
the qualities desired of the best teachers
in America. Her devotion to the craft of
teaching and her content is among the
highest I've witnessed in my education
career.“
Dee Christopher, Principal
Fort Mill High School
Jeanie Whitten