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2022 Teachers of the Year
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Letters to the Editor The Elgin News P.O. Box 152 Elgin, SC 29045
Cate Goff, Editor (803) 513-5108
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Fred Davidson, Sales Manager (803) 466-4604
Stover Middle School (STO) math teacher Dr. Linda Branham was named 2022 Kershaw County School District (KCSD) Teacher of the Year at a celebration tonight while Doby's Mill Elementary School (DME) special education teacher Caroline Gross was chosen as first alternate. Also honored during the evening’s celebration was Camden Elementary School special education teacher Jessica Truesdale who was named as the Outstanding First Year Teacher and Camden Middle School English language arts teacher Brooke Dixon who was selected as the first alternate for the award. LugoffElgin Middle School Principal Gene Cameron was recognized as the district’s Principal of the Year. All 19 Kershaw County schools selected teachers of the year. Branham and Gross were two of five honor roll teachers selected as finalists for the district award. Other honor roll teachers are Lauren Brooke Dixon Steele, North Central High School; April Garbade, North Central Middle School; and Kristi Brown, Wateree Elementary School. Branham has worked at STO since 2018 and previously taught at Pine Tree Hill Elementary. She was a state finalist for the 2017 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and is national board certified as a middle childhood generalist. She has received a KCSD Golden Apple award from her colleagues five years in a row and leads STO's PBIS (Positive Behaviors Interventions and Supports) initiative where she organizes a monthly PBIS schoolwide event. A LEHS graduate, Branham credits KCSD teachers for inspiring her to become a teacher. “As a product of KCSD, I would like to believe that I had the best teachers. At every level, I can remember an inspirational teacher that made me want to do what they did," Branham said. She added, "I knew that my love for numbers and fondness for education would lead me on an amazing adventure to educate students, ultimately allowing them the opportunity to be anything they want to be. I feel Jessica Truesdale like the luckiest person to get to be a part of that journey for my students." Her principal Chantelle Zimmer called Branham a "model teacher in providing integrated lessons that are intentional and purposeful for all students." She added, "Dr. Branham goes beyond the call of duty to ensure that all of her students are successful in and out of the classroom." Gross has taught at DME since 2018 after previously serving as a teacher assistant at the school. In addition to teaching her own students, she assists other teachers who need support for students who are displaying extreme behaviors through Project SOS. Cameron has been LEMS principal since 2018. Under his leadership, LEMS was recently re-designated as a national School to Watch. LEMS was the first school in the state to be named as a School to Watch in 2007 and has earned the honor every three years since. Caroline Gross Truesdale is the 14th KCSD educator to receive the district’s award to honor first year teachers. As a teacher of students with profound intellectual disabilities, she uses music and movement to connect with her students and provides engaging hands-on activities to
See TEACHER OF THE YEAR, Page 9 >>
The Elgin News builds community and brings people together by informing everyone about local businesses, services, schools organizations, government, activities, events and other information useful for becoming involved. It helps those who live and work in Elgin to get to know each other as people and to become friends. The Elgin News accepts no responsibility for the contents of the advertisements or articles. Advertisements and articles are accepted with the full responsibility of the advertiser for worth and accuracy. Readers who wish to comment or have concerns regarding advertisements contained herein are urged to phone the Elgin News at (803) 513-5108 or (803) 466-4604. The Elgin News will discontinue accepting advertising from firms of alleged dubious reputation. Rates are net - discount agreements must be reflected on the publication order. Invoices due on receipt. Tearsheets and proofs available upon request. Advertising setup, changes and publication verification are provided at no charge. 15% agency comm. is 30-days firm. Photography charges negotiable. By-line articles are the property of the contributor and may not be reproduced without permission.
The Elgin News, PO Box 152, Elgin, SC 29045 · (803) 513-5108 Cate Goff, Editor · Fred Davidson, Sales Manager · Email: elginnews@gmail.com May 13, 2022
May 13, 2022
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50 Years of Lugoff-Elgin High By: Liz Simon, Staff Writer
In the South, we love to celebrate holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, graduations, and almost any occasion. We show love and support for others in our community, and as people come into our lives and establish a strong personal bond, we want to be together as an extended family. We have work families, church families, school families, friends who are like family, and God-given families. We do not have to look far for a reason to host a party. As the lyrics to the song by Kool and the Gang, “There's a party going on right here, a celebration to last through the years. So bring your good times and laughter too, We're gonna celebrate the party with you.” It has been 50 years, Lugoff Elgin! Time to celebrate! As I entered the old school cafeteria April 23, promptly before six to attend the Hall of Fame banquet, I was amazed at the transformation. Round tables were covered with black linens and were illuminated with black decorative lanterns and twinkling lights on red/ blue tulle with silver foil. There were golden stars hanging from the ceiling, and black drapes covering any empty spaces. LE alumni 2003 Tyler Cupp served as emcee, and Derrick Proctor Class of 1980 gave the invocation. The LEHS Annex cafeteria was now the perfect setting to induct the new members of the Hall of Fame: Ben Connell, Laurie Funderburk, Sergeant Major Thomas Payne, Lori Pindar, and Sean Quigley. At the close of the evening, the school officially named the road between Wildwood Lane and Hwy 1 between the three campuses Willie Mickle Drive. There will be a ceremony August 13 at Demonfest to unveil the signage. This will be a celebration where former players, students, and community members can attend and have an opportunity to wish Willie Mickle a happy 83rd birthday! During the 1997-1998 school year, the student council decided to focus on the school’s legacy by a establishing a Wall of Fame. The student
council encouraged the student body and the faculty to nominate those who had contributed to the success of the various academic and athletic programs as well as projects in the life of the student body. The student council selected the inductees, and they were recognized during halftime at a home basketball game. The first members of the Hall of Fame were Ernest Dixon, SC state record holder for most rebounds and assistant volunteer coach for LE boys’ basketball; David Dowey, police officer and volunteer security for the school; Gary Cyrus Frakes, media consultant and volunteer with the school pageant and other student activities; Wesley Herndon, Kershaw County School board member, Kershaw County Council member, and volunteer with the wrestling program; Willie Mickle, first Athletic Director of the school and former principal; Glenn Price, band director of the state championship 1982 Marching Pride; Ann Roberts and Nancy Smith, parent volunteers; Creig Tyler, principal and South Carolina AA football coach of the year; and the 1996 -97 varsity cheerleaders who represented South Carolina at the Gator Bowl. The cheerleaders were seniors: Stacy Bryant, Sharon Roberts, Ashley Reynolds, Katrina Scarano, Whitney Williams; juniors: Rachel Dabbs, Rebecca Dabbs, Laura DeWitt, Valencia Harris, Rhetta Simon, and Sara Watts. Later the next week, on April 28, I entered the old annex again for another grand celebration…our 23rd LEHS faculty/staff reunion. We are the only faculty that I am aware of that meets for our own reunions. There were over 25 former faculty members in attendance. Theresa Muldrow welcomed everyone around 4:15. Current LEHS principal Cory Wright shared and answered questions about LE today. Mary Lostetter recognized Harriett Thomas and Chuck Bingham as the only two original faculty members present. They had both taught at Blaney High before LEHS opened fifty years ago. Harriett Thomas read the poem “The Dash”, and we mourned the ones we had lost - students as well as faculty and staff. We added crosses to the memory tree, then after a few glimpses into our classrooms, we posed together for our group picture. We then adjourned to eat supper together at the Lugoff House of Pizza. We are family…. a work family…. a community family, and it is good to be a part of LE!
LEHS Annual Faculty Reunion
Lugoff-Elgin High school faculty reunion attendees: Creig Tyler, Harriett Thomas, Judy Ford, Linda Hall, Darcella Pindar, Sandra Fitts, Marcia Cashion, Pat West. 2nd row Theresa Muldrow, Kay Fox, Teddy Osborne, Chuck Bingham, Bill DeWitt, Mary Lostetter, Daphne Clonts, Liz Simon, Mary Luce Naso. 3rd row Ernie Hughes, Glenn Price, Willie Mickle, Delaine Pearson, Rut Dingle. Absent when picture was taken: Tammy Kirkley, Scott Jones, Emily Finley, Kay Roberson.
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May 13, 2022
From the Chief 's Desk
I would like to talk about a topic that is sad, and also hard to talk about, line of duty deaths. In light of the recent line of duty death of Cayce Police Officer Andrew Barr, I would like to thank the Elgin Community for their support and prayers. As I strolled social media reading post, it was clear that everyone was saddened and very supportive. Any time an officer is killed we are reminded of the daily dangers of our chosen profession. We are also reminded of what an exceptional com-
munity we serve by their expressions of both mourning and gratitude to myself and the officers of the Elgin Police Department. I would also like to thank the Officers of this department for their dedication and excellent service to the Town of Elgin. Thank you Elgin, our department exists only because of your support.
Chief Alan Anders
The Dance Place Donates to KCSD Arts Programs
The Dance Place’s performance of The Nutcracker not only provided a holiday treat for the community, but also generated $4,000 as a benefit for the Kershaw County School District’s (KCSD) Arts programs. “We greatly appreciate the support from The Dance Place,” said KCSD’s Arts Coordinator Regina McDonald. “We will be able to assist with the arts programs in our three high schools with this thoughtful contribution.” Located on Broad Street in Camden, The Dance Place is the only studio in Kershaw County specializing in classical ballet.
Pictured (l to r): Alyson Goodwin, Camden High (Snow Queen); Savannah Mullis, Lugoff-Elgin High (Sugar Plum Fairy); Ari Dickinson, The Dance Place owner and Nutcracker choreographer; Regina McDonald, KCSD Arts Coordinator; Hope Hendrix, Camden High (Arabian Dancer) and Sarah Broome, Lugoff-Elgin Middle (Clara).
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Town Clerk/Clerk of Court
The Town of Elgin is accepting applications for the position of Town Clerk/Clerk of Court. This is a full-time position with benefits and state retirement and this employee reports directly to the Mayor and Town Council. Requires a vocational/technical diploma in accounting, bookkeeping/accounting or related field supplemented by three to five years of general bookkeeping and accounting experience; and the equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary. Salary Range: $31,500 - $51,500 Duties include, but not limited to: Accounting/Bookkeeping duties: Perform a variety of routine to moderately complex accounting functions to include: accounts receivable/accounts payable and related journal entries, account reconciliations, and compile budget information utilizing excel spreadsheets. Make bank deposits, compile payroll data, file quarterly and annual tax filings. Legal and Clerical duties: Record and edit meeting minutes, draft and post agendas, distribute town business correspondence, maintain all financial, legal and reference material and files. Communication duties: Effectively and professionally communicate with staff, management, council, government officials, and the public. Clerk of Court duties: Assist judges with municipal court preparation for cases and trials, enter and maintain LawTrak court records, calculate and disseminate fine collections. This individual must be able to perform in a demanding environment. The position will be open until filled, but the deadline for applications is Friday, May 6, 2022. Job Applications are available on the town website at www.townofelginsc.com under the “FORMS” tab and/or can be picked up directly from Town Hall at 2469 Main Street, Elgin, South Carolina. Please submit resume and application to: The Town of Elgin, Attention Mayor Emmons, PO Box 277, Elgin, SC 29045. For questions, contact Town Hall at 803-438-2362. May 13, 2022
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From The Chairman's Desk KC Proposed Redistricting By: Julian Burns, KC Council Chairman
I write today to alert all our citizens of an injustice to Kershaw County. As a result of a recent settlement reached between leaders of the State legislature and the NAACP and ACLU, our influence and our voice as a County stands at risk in the legislature. I write to ensure that all citizens of Kershaw County are informed, and to encourage them to write and talk to their state representatives. Here is what has occurred. In the wake of the CENSUS2020, a law suit brought by the ACLU and NAACP against the legislature has resulted in an agreement between the parties that divides and reapportions Kershaw County representation in the State House Legislature. In looking for a way to answer the lawsuit, the various parties looked for numbers: voters to move around to meet the contended federal guidelines for minority representation. Kershaw County was looked upon as an item on the menu to be carved up and put against this requirement. No one in Columbia talked to us in Kershaw County. This agreement would result in the 2024 election being held in a political landscape where realistically the majority of Kershaw County would never have a chance to place their representative in the House of Representatives of South Carolina. We would be rendered without voice or influence in the political process at the state for the first time since our founding in 1791. An abomination in a free country. Let me say this up front: As a soldier and now as a public servant, I have always fought for equal representation of minority rights. Always –and indeed served in faraway places doing so, as have my children who served in Afghanistan, Iraq and other combat zones. And I, as Chairman, have supported, along with my colleagues on the County Council, the act of reapportionment as a fundamental process to assure fair, just and equitable representation. Yet, in this case Kershaw County is sacrificed and your influence as a County has been compromised. Kershaw County Council took it up formally on Tuesday. We as Kershaw County must stand together, without regard to race, creed, color, or political persuasion, and speak up. This is an injustice, that incites our famous spirit of American Revolutionary zeal for representation in government. There is no excuse for a single county in SC to not have at least one sitting member of the General Assembly who hails from the physical confines of that county. KC proposed map, 2024.
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May 13, 2022
Beta Club at Doby's Mill ACT Now Before The Rains Come Down
25 COLORS TO CHOOSE FROM! Fifty-seven new members were inducted into the Doby’s Mill Chapter of the National Junior Beta Club. The DME Chapter is made up of 4th and 5th students who demonstrate excellence in character and academics. Since 2004, Doby’s Mill has inducted over 700 students into the National Junior Beta Club. A special thank you is extended to Mr. Ben Connell for being the guest speaker at today’s ceremony. Congratulations to all of the DMES Beta Club Members!
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Blaney Visits Saluda Shoals
Above: Ann Baker from Mrs. Stacey Kelly's second grade class is using the microscope for an up-close glance at a leaf found in the wetlands at Saluda Shoals. BES second grade students were able to learn all about animals in a wetland habitat during a visit to Saluda Shoals! Students took part in three unique scientific learning stations. Net dipping allows students to catch creatures in their natural habitat. Once the creatures were caught students headed over for biofact investigation. Students were able to identify, classify, and learn more about the wetlands creatures they caught in their net. Finally, students took part in a nature walk through the wetlands forest to see birds, turtles, fish, and more in their natural habitat. To wrap up the trip students were able to visit the splash pad to cool off and enjoy some time with classmates and teachers. May 13, 2022
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MERCHANDISE CORNER Men’s & Women’s Suits Casual Wear Teen Street Wear Hats Accessories Luggage & Purses
PLANT SALE Congratulations Kershaw County Master Gardeners are holding a plant sale:
Saturday May 14, 2022 8:00AM -Noon
Pete & Sylvia James
1333 Chestnut Ferry Road, Camden (Behind American Legion Bldg.)
Tennis Center Open House @theelginnews
(Next door to The Dance Place, in The Village of Dusty Bend)
Open Tuesday-Saturday from 11:00-5:00
The Tennis Center of Camden invites all members of the public to a Spring Open House from 5:30-7:00 pm Friday, May 13. Come out and join the tennis pros and center staff on the courts for tennis and pickleball fun and learn more about summer programs for juniors and adults. Tour the facility and try something new or pick up a racquet for the first time in a long time. Enjoy fun & games for the whole family. Free to attend, open to all ages. For more information, visit www.playtenniscamden.com or call 803-432-0252.
“Serving Columbia Since 1963”
ALL YOU CARE TO EAT!
Hours:
Wed 11-2 • Thurs - Sat 11-8 • Sun 11-3
Congratulations to Pete and Sylvia Session James on the occasion of their 65th wedding anniversary! Former Elgin Mayor Pete, and wife Sylvia were married at Hillcrest Baptist in Elgin. The couple has three daughters and four grandsons.
LEHS Hosts Reality Town
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Lugoff-Elgin High School hosted Reality Town for all ninth graders on Thursday, April 28. Reality Town is a fun, hands-on curriculum for ninth grade students that culminates in a simulation that is run by school and community volunteers, during which time students take on a career, salary, spouse, or lack thereof, children and the financial obligations of a 30-year-old adult. Armed with their Personalized Pay Stubs and Reality Town Student Handbooks, which contained all of their personal Reality Town information, students were responsible for making financial decisions and standard monthly expenditures for their Reality Town family. Students had to budget and meet all of the basic needs of their family, including housing, transportation, groceries, childcare, clothing, insurance, etc. This experience allowed students to learn valuable information that will benefit them now and in the future. May 13, 2022
Cassady Announces Run For KC Coroner
Life-long resident Beverly Gainey Cassady, RN announces her filing to run for Kershaw County Coroner. Cassady will be on the ballot for the Republican party primary set for June 14th. Cassady received her LPN from KCVC in 1986 and later went on to gain her RN from CCTC. She served as the Sexual Assault Examiner for Kershaw County from 2004-2007. During this time, she was also a Clinical Mentor for the College of Nursing at MUSC. Beverly later served as Deputy Coroner under the former Kershaw County Coroner Johnny Fellers from 2010 and Beverly Cassady For Coroner 2011. These experiences led Beverly to seek more education in the Forensic Sciences. She graduated as a Forensic Nurse Examiner from Queens University and the Death Investigation Training Academy as a Medicolegal Death Investigator. Her 36 years of nursing experience and her interests in law enforcement combined to make her decision to seek the office of Coroner. Cassady has worked in Emergency Medicine, Family and Hospice care. These experiences give her a unique preceptive in dealing with grieving individuals. Cassady said, “I personally have been on the receiving end of the late-night knock at the door or phone call that a family member has been killed in an accident. I know the importance of compassion and professionalism in this trying situation.” As Coroner, Beverly wants people to know she will always be approachable and willing to talk with them even months after the death. She knows the importance of getting the answers you need when grieving for your loved ones. Beverly has been married to Tony Cassady for 42 years and they have two children and two grandchildren. Cassady knows her work experiences, training, knowledge and compassion will make her the best choice for Coroner.
TEACHER OF THE YEAR, Continued from Page 2 work toward mastery of her students' IEP goals. Truesdale's principal Matia Goodwin describes Truesdale as "nurturing and caring with all of her students." She adds that Truesdale has "built relationships with her parents, and loves every child in her classroom." Camden Middle School (CMS) ELA teacher Brooke Dixon was named first alternate for the Outstanding First Year Teacher Award. In addition to teaching, Dixon coaches the CMS girls basketball team. CMS Principal Byron Johnson says she "has navigated the task of leading a winning team while keeping pace in the classroom." Other Outstanding First Year Teacher honor roll finalists are Abigail Baytes and Regan King, both from Camden High School. All 2022 KCSD school teachers of the year were recognized: Blaney Elementary - Megan Latter Camden Elementary - Loren Carmon Camden High - Lawrence McCallum Camden Middle - Aretha Smith CLC - Scott Sutton Doby’s Mill Elementary - Caroline Gross Jackson School - Kimm Mack Lugoff Elementary - Karisa Zaprzalka Lugoff-Elgin High - Peter Hemingway Lugoff-Elgin Middle - Robbie Charles Midway Elementary - Terri Odom North Central Elementary - Meg Gardner North Central High - Lauren Steele North Central Middle - April Garbade Pine Tree Hill Elem. - Christina Absher Stover Middle - Dr. Linda Branham Virtual Academy - Laina Shoemake Wateree Elementary - Kristi Brown WLC - Walker Canada
MCCU Announces Scholarships
Mid Carolina Credit Union (MCCU) is pleased to announce the recipients of its 17th annual Scholarship Program. Four students will receive a total of $2,000 toward their college expenses. Applicants were reviewed by internal and external judges, who evaluated each student's GPA and course load, volunteer activity, recommendation letter and written essay. Each of these students will receive a $500 scholarship: • Mary Thomas Christofaro – Plans to attend Newberry College in the Fall, majoring in Health Science and Speech Pathology. • Ellison Haudenshild – Is deciding between Clemson University or North Greenville University for the Fall and plans to major in Agribusiness. • Landry Martin – Plans to attend Central Carolina Technical College in the Fall, majoring in Mechatronics. • Julianna Willoughby – Plans to attend Brevard College in the Fall, majoring in Environmental Science. “We are committed to investing in the communities we serve, and our annual scholarship program represents one of the most gratifying ways we do so,” said Mid Carolina Credit Union CEO Scott Conley. “It is our sincere wish to help these bright, hardworking students achieve their academic and career goals so they can also become prominent civic leaders in the future.” The Mid Carolina Credit Union Scholarship Program is open to eligible students seeking a first undergraduate degree. Awards may be used to fund tuition, books, housing and other expenses. The Credit Union has been supporting the Kershaw County community for over 60 years and has awarded over $57,000 in scholarships. May 13, 2022
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May 13, 2022
Kershaw County Sheriff ’s Office
National Peace Officers Memorial Day
We have four KCSO deputies who have died in the line of duty that we would like to recognize on National Peace Officers Memorial Day:
KCSO Deputy Theodore "Ted" Turner End of Watch: April 29, 1971 Deputy Theodore Turner was shot and killed while he and another deputy served commitment papers on a mental subject. The man was given permission from the two deputies to obtain some personal items before being removed from the home. As the two deputies spoke on the front porch the suspect returned to the door and fired a shot from a 410 gauge shotgun, striking Deputy Turner in the back of the head. The suspect was arrested following a massive manhunt and committed. Deputy Turner was survived by his wife and several children. KCSO Captain James Eugene "Pat" Orr End of Watch: July 2, 1973 Captain James Orr was shot and killed by a 22 year old Massachusetts man wanted for armed robbery. A sequence of events started when a lone gunman entered the office of a mobile home dealership north of Camden; tied up the manager; and robbed him of $190 in cash. The manager worked himself free seconds after the suspect fled and called the sheriff 's department. Captain Orr was patrolling in Lugoff when he spotted a car matching the description of the suspect's vehicle given by the manager. Captain Orr pulled the car over and was shot several times by the suspect as he got out of his patrol car. Later in the day the suspect abducted at gunpoint a mother and her four daughters from their home several miles away. He forced the mother with her four children to drive him in her car south toward Georgia. He released his hostages, unharmed, just outside of Savannah. A few days later in Florida, a St. Augustine Police Officer received an anonymous phone call telling him where the suspect could be located. He went to a local residence and took the suspect into custody without incident. The suspect was convicted of Captain Orr's murder, armed robbery, and five counts of kidnapping on October 24,
Sheriff Lee Boan
1973. He was sentenced to six life terms plus 26 years in prison... but he was granted parole on these charges in 2020. Captain Orr was to retire the following January. He was survived by his wife and daughter. KCSO Deputy Ernest Christian Potter, III End of Watch: February 21, 1974 Deputy Sheriff Ernest Potter was shot and killed when he and his partner stopped to investigate two men who were hitchhiking on I-20. As the deputies stepped out of their patrol car a third suspect surprised them from behind a guardrail and held them at gunpoint. The three suspects walked the two deputies down an embankment where they opened fire on both deputies. Deputy Potter was struck in the head several times and killed. The other deputy was shot in the head and seriously wounded. The three suspects had murdered Patrolman Richey Finch, of the Forest Acres Police Department, when Patrolman Finch stopped their vehicle several hours earlier. The shooter was sentenced to life plus 99 years. He was survived by his wife and unborn son. His son (Chris Potter, IV) is now a captain at the Richland County Sheriff 's Department. KCSO School Resource Officer Rob Evans End of Watch: November 27, 2013 Deputy Evans was directing traffic at Wateree Elementary School when he collapsed in the roadway from a heart attack. Two nurses were in line to pick up their children and saw Deputy Evans fall to the ground. They immediately went to his aid and began administering CPR to him. Lugoff Fire Department responded and assisted. Rob was then transported to Kershaw Health, and later to Providence Hospital with a police escort from several law enforcement agencies. He passed away at 5:30am the next morning at Providence Hospital. He was survived by his wife, a daughter, and a son. Let us never forget the ultimate sacrifices these heroes made to the citizens of Kershaw County.
Blaney Elementary Selected for State Leadership Program
Blaney Elementary School (BES) has been selected for the SC Department of Education's (SCDE) Collective Leadership Initiative for the 2022-23 school year. BES is the first Kershaw County School District (KCSD) school to participate in the program that focuses on a cohesive vision for teacher leadership roles within South Carolina’s schools. "We are thrilled to be able to participate in the CLI cohort for the 22/23 school year," said BES Principal Nicole Kirkley. "In order to create sustainable change in education, we must start with those that are closest to the learning and leading the work: the teachers. The shifts that this initiative will bring in our staff will create an environment where teacher leadership is encouraged and celebrated." According to SCDE, the program supports teacher and administrative leadership to drive student mastery of all elements in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. Kirkley explained, "We hope to create a school culture and climate where leading together is the norm, and all voices are valued and heard. Collective Leadership will transform the way our teachers and staff feel about education, and we are very excited to embark on this journey!" In its fifth year of operation, SCDE's program has served 25 schools; next school year's group includes seven schools. SCDE held an orientation for the program this week that Kirkley said featured "a showcase of the work other South Carolina schools have done in the last two years. It was very enlightening and encouraging to see how motivated and enthusiastic they were and how much progress they've made in a short period of time." May 13, 2022
(Left to right): BES first grade teacher Melissa Tomascik, principal Nicole Kirkley and fifth grade teacher Jonathan Hunt represented Blaney Elementary at SCDE's orientation for its Collective Leadership Initiative. 11
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Over 50 Years Combined Experience! Attorney Dennis N. Cannon, Jr.
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