STARS HONORED AT AIKEN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS ANNUAL EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION EVENT
During a beautiful event held at Aiken High School on Thursday, March 30, the District recognized its STARS of Public Education. Aiken County Public Schools’ annual employee recognition banquet has expanded over the years from an event to celebrate each school’s Teacher of the Year and name a District winner, to a comprehensive recognition program designed to honor educators as well as other star employees.
“I look forward to our STARS event each year,” ACPSD Superintendent King Laurence shared. “The event allows us the opportunity to partner with community sponsors, our employees’ families, friends and colleagues as we recognize teachers, support staff and leaders for their dedication to our work in education and a shared commitment to ensure all students thrive as future-ready, globally mindful, and productive citizens.”
Recognition categories for Professional Staff Member of the Year and District Level Administrator of the Year were added to this year’s program which also includes recognition for GEM (Giving Even More) Support Staff Member of the Year, First Year Teacher of the Year, Teacher of the Year, Assistant Principal of the Year, and Principal of the Year. School and department-level stars were honored during the March 30 event, and Honor Courts were celebrated for each employee recognition category before District winners were announced.
Each Honor Court member received a plaque and special name badge reflecting their award title. Through generous sponsorship support, district winners also received a monetary award along with a gold ring celebrating their honor courtesy of Jostens Rhodes Graduation Services. Financial and in-kind resources from community businesses and organizations were numerous. The published Special Section in the Aiken Standard as part of their Title Sponsorship, Bundt Cakes attendees enjoyed after dinner, courtesy of Nothing Bundt Cakes as part of their Platinum Sponsorship, were among some of the contributions community businesses dedicated to celebrating ACPSD’s STARS of Public Education. Additional major sponsors included Rhodes Graduation Services and Savannah River Nuclear Solutions as Platinum Sponsors, as well as Bridgestone, H.G. Reynolds Construction Engineers, and SRP Federal Credit Union as Gold Sponsors.
NAMING 2023-2024 STARS OF PUBLIC EDUCATION
After guests celebrated nominees through a slideshow featuring nominees and winners from every school and department for each category over dinner, Chief Financial Officer Tray Traxler continued the program with recognition of the GEM of the Year Honor Court.
GEM OF THE YEAR AWARD
The 2023-2024 GEM of the Year Award Honor Court included:
- Nayivis Joyner, School Food Service Operator, Aiken Scholars Academy and Aiken High School;
- Tina Doe Sheppard, Special Education Aide, Belvedere Elementary School;
- Jennifer Brown, Media Aide, J.D. Lever Elementary School;
- Vicki Morris, Student Information Clerk, Kennedy Middle School; and
- Shaunda Jackson, Student Information Clerk, Oakwood-Windsor Elementary School.
“The winner of our District GEM of the Year award is described as someone with a heart of gold who always goes above and beyond, giving 110% to her students and school community,” Traxler shared. “Join me in congratulating our 2023-2024 GEM of the Year winner, Mrs. Tina Doe Sheppard.”
ACPSD’s GEM was quickly surrounded by more than 25 family members and friends who had been invited to surprise her.
PROFESSIONAL STAFF MEMBER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Jennifer Hart, the District’s Chief Officer of Human Resources and Administration, welcomed to the stage the 2023-2024 and first ever Professional Staff Member of the Year Award Honor Court which included:
- Karen Hamm, Supervisor of Accounting Systems, Business Services;
- John Ross, K-5 Math Content Interventionist, Instructional Services;
- Angela Hodges, School Psychologist, Special Programs;
- Chera Richardson, Program Specialist, Special Programs; and
- Jennifer Wall, Program Specialist, Special Programs.
“Our District Professional Staff Member of the Year is described as someone who is an integral part of their team, is extremely dedicated, and inspires those around them to a higher level of excellence by following their example of professionalism,” Hart shared as she announced and congratulated the winner, Mrs. Chera Richardson.
Just like the newly-named GEM of the Year, Richardson and all other District winners that followed quickly found themselves surrounded by their loved ones who had been hidden backstage as they awaited the surprise and celebration.
FIRST YEAR TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Christen Sikes was honored to celebrate the many exceptionally skillful and dedicated new educators she supports through her role as the District’s Educator Effectiveness Coordinator.
The First Year Teacher of the Year Award Honor Court included:
- Brycen Sink, Special Education Teacher, Clearwater Elementary School;
- Darlene Bacon, 4th Grade Teacher, North Aiken Elementary School;
- Hegddy Pabon-Serrano, ESOL Teacher, North Augusta High School;
- Rosalind Key, Computer Science Teacher, Wagener-Salley High School; and
- Kelia Andrews, 2nd Grade Teacher, Warrenville Elementary School.
“The winner of our First Year Teacher of the Year award is described as someone who is professional and exceptional in their ability to set high expectations while offering a supportive environment that fosters creativity and growth,” Sikes shared before announcing the 2023-2024 First Year Teacher of the Year winner, Ms. Rosalind Key.
TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD
District Superintendent King Laurence welcomed to the stage the 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year Year Award Honor Court which included:
- Hillary Bennett, Physical Education Teacher, Byrd Elementary School;
- Jessica Cutler, 4th Grade Teacher, East Aiken School of the Arts;
- Uyen Griffis, Special Education Teacher, Hammond Hill Elementary School;
- Quetta Hammonds, 4th Grade Teacher, Oakwood-Windsor Elementary School; and
- Terri Whetstone, Social Studies Teacher, Schofield Middle School.
“Our District Teacher of the Year winner is described as someone who infuses energy and enthusiasm into learning, and is a passionate believer that all children thrive in an environment that is compassionate, creative, and inclusive,” Superintendent Laurence shared as he congratulated the winner for District Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Uyen Griffis.
DISTRICT LEVEL ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
Dr. Corey Murphy, the District’s Chief Officer of Operations and Student Services, was honored to introduce Aiken County’s first ever District Level Administrator of the Year Award Honor Court, a new award category which celebrates the tremendous work of District Administrators who demonstrate commitment to the strategic goals of ACPSD while serving, supporting, and facilitating the operations of our district and schools.
The District Level Administrator of the Year Award Honor Court included:
- Leslie Fielder, Student Information System Coordinator, Instructional Services;
- Sharon Worley, Coordinator of Counseling and & Career Services, Operations & Student Services; and
- Beth Taylor, Director of Special Programs (Interim) & Director of XSEL, Special Programs Department & XSEL
“The winner of our District Level Administrator of the Year award is described as someone with a high level of passion for developing students and employees, who leads with compassion, professionalism, and humility,” Dr. Murphy shared before congratulating the 2023-2024 District Level Administrator of the Year winner, Ms. Sharon Worley.
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR AWARD
Dr. Salvatore Minolfo was honored to recognize administrators he supports through his role as the District’s Director of Administration for their dedication to shaping the academic successes of students and cultivating leadership in their buildings.
The Assistant Principal of the Year Award Honor Court included:
- Kyle Blankenship, East Aiken School of the Arts;
- Teresa Mitchem, Paul Knox Middle School; and
- Tami Shaffer, South Aiken High School.
“Our District Assistant Principal of the Year winner is described as who is committed to the success of all students both behaviorally and academically and is passionately focused on building and fostering a positive culture,” Dr. Minolfo shared as he announced the winner for District Assistant Principal of the Year, Mr. Kyle Blankenship.
PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR AWARD
Dr. Amy Edwards, the District’s Chief Officer of Instruction, welcomed the final group of honorees to the stage as she recognized the 2023-2024 Principal of the Year Award Honor Court which included:
- Martha Messick, Aiken Scholars Academy;
- Jeffery Matthews, Busbee Elementary School; and
- Charlene Heard, Warrenville Elementary School.
“Our District Principal of the Year award-winner is described as a highly effective leader who is skilled at building relationships and implementing new initiatives,” Dr. Edwards shared before congratulating the 2023-2024 Principal of the Year winner, Mr. Jeffery Matthews.
STARS OF PUBLIC EDUCATION SCHOOL AND DEPARTMENT-LEVEL WINNERS AND NOMINEES
Congratulations STARS of Public Education winners, as well as nominees in each category.
GEM OF THE YEAR
Jacquelyn Pough Miller, A.L. Corbett Middle School
Denise Smith, Aiken County Career & Technology Center
Cathy Barton, Aiken Elementary School
Shelana Coach, Aiken High School
Angela Mitchem, Aiken Intermediate School
Nayivis Joyner, Aiken Scholars Academy
Tina Doe Sheppard, Belvedere Elementary School
Sandy Deans, Busbee Elementary School
Keisha Jackson, Business Services
Linda Barton, Byrd Elementary School
Tara Moody, Center for Innovative Learning
Carrie Murphy, Chukker Creek Elementary School
Stacey Boatwright, Clearwater Elementary School
Dana Spa, East Aiken School of the Arts
Rebekah Carrier, Federal Programs
Stanley Hicks, Freedman Early Learning Center
Candis Moyer, Gloverville Elementary School
Audrey Michelle Cochran, Graniteville Elementary School
Jessica Knight, Greendale Elementary School
Charlene Cartledge, Hammond Hill Elementary School
Deloris Brown, Human Resources
Jennifer Brown, J.D. Lever Elementary School
Alicia McKie, Jackson STEM Middle School
Denise Hendley, Jefferson Elementary School
Vicki Morris, Kennedy Middle School
Corry Benson, LBC Middle School
Lucretia Williams, Leavelle McCampbell Middle School
John Puckett, Maintenance
Tammy Bell, Midland Valley High School
Cindy Abshire, Millbrook Elementary School
Vanessa Carter, Mossy Creek Elementary School
Karin Nine, New Ellenton STEAM Middle Magnet School
James Wilson, North Aiken Elementary School
Dianne Rawlins, North Augusta Elementary School
Hayes Wimberly, North Augusta High School
Kristen Levi, North Augusta Middle School
Shaunda Jackson, Oakwood-Windsor Elementary School
Phaedra Holtzclaw, Operations & Student Services
Kenia Hadden, Paul Knox Middle School
Carnell Phillips, Jr., Redcliffe Elementary School
Lois Workman, Ridge Spring-Monetta Elementary School
Pat Tyler, Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle-High School
Rose May Brooks, Schofield Middle School
Regina Brock, Silver Bluff High School
Mary Elam, South Aiken High School
Lynde Ball, Technology
Evangeline Williams, Transportation
Christine Romines, Wagener-Salley High School
Karen Reed, Warrenville Elementary School
Alisa Griffin, XSEL
PROFESSIONAL STAFF MEMBER OF THE YEAR
Karen Hamm, Business Services
Chrissy Still, Human Resources
Amanda Burnside, Instructional Services
Ashlee O’Neal, Instructional Services
Jennifer Wilson, Instructional Services
John Ross, Instructional Services
Abby Messick, Leavelle McCampbell Middle School
Areshia Masters, Midland Valley High School
Beth Webb, North Augusta High School
Monica Mazzell, Nursing & Health Services
Tuesday Johnson, School Food Service
Keri Weimer, Silver Bluff High School
Karen Barrett, Special Programs
Vickie Harby, Special Programs
Angela Hodges, Special Programs
Karla Moldovan, Special Programs
Chera Richardson, Special Programs
Jennifer Wall, Special Programs
Brittany Zaremba, Special Programs
Nicholas Diehl, Technology
Jeremy Faugl, Technology
FIRST YEAR TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Stephanie Adams, A.L. Corbett Middle School
Tammie Garrett, Aiken County Career & Technology Center
Dee Dee Ware, Aiken Elementary School
Michael Evans, Aiken High School
Dana Ergle, Aiken Intermediate School
Ada Carpenter, Belvedere Elementary School
Ashley Courtney, Busbee Elementary School
Grayson Kern, Byrd Elementary School
Madison Swearingen, Chukker Creek Elementary School
Brycen Sink, Clearwater Elementary School
Richard Fowler, East Aiken School of the Arts
Lauren Carroll, Gloverville Elementary School
Kelli Randall, Graniteville Elementary School
Ashley Thomas, Greendale Elementary School
Martha Ramirez, Hammond Hill Elementary School
Kyra Shuler, J.D. Lever Elementary School
Carli Walker Seale, Midland Valley High School
Amanda Asbill, Millbrook Elementary School
Mia Holley, New Ellenton Middle STEAM Magnet School
Darlene Bacon, North Aiken Elementary School
Lindsey Johnson, North Augusta Elementary School
Hegddy Pabon-Serrano, North Augusta High School
Austin Holder, Paul Knox Middle School
Kathryn Richie, Ridge Spring-Monetta Elementary School
Kaitlynne Goodman, Ridge Spring Monetta Middle-High School
Thomas Farmer, Schofield Middle School
Deyvis Sanchez, Silver Bluff High School
Mackenzie Lee, South Aiken High School
Rosalind Key, Wagener-Salley High School
Kelia Andrews, Warrenville Elementary School
TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Cynthia Kenner, A.L. Corbett Middle School
Fred Pilot, Aiken County Career & Technology Center
Janet Dickson, Aiken Elementary School
Harry Johnson, Aiken High School
Margo Gore, Aiken iNNOVATE
Amanda Landaverde, Aiken Intermediate School
Ron Johnson, Aiken Scholars Academy
Amy Coleman, Belvedere Elementary School
Melissa Burke, Busbee Elementary School
Hillary Bennett, Byrd Elementary School
Khaleelah Stroman, Center for Innovate Learning
Sophia Kelly, Chukker Creek Elementary School
Nora Cliett, Clearwater Elementary School
Jessica Cutler, East Aiken School of the Arts
Terena Corley, Gloverville Elementary School
Mary Timmerman, Graniteville Elementary School
Jessica Herndon, Greendale Elementary School
Uyen Griffis, Hammond Hill Elementary School
Heather Wright, J.D. Lever Elementary School
Karen Jacobs, Jackson STEM Middle School
Lauren Williams, Jefferson Elementary School
Matthew Kennamer, Kennedy Middle School
Alecia Gullatt, LBC Middle School
Lisa McCall, Leavelle McCampbell Middle School
Jean Smith, Midland Valley High School
Sarah Walton, Millbrook Elementary School
Jeffery Boyd, Mossy Creek Elementary School
Shauna Bashline, New Ellenton STEAM Middle Magnet School
Marquita Perez, North Aiken Elementary School
Emily Smith, North Augusta Elementary School
Ken Beck, North Augusta High School
Crystal Bush, North Augusta Middle School
Quetta Hammonds, Oakwood-Windsor Elementary School
Shelby Franklin, Paul Knox Middle School
Christina Newsome, Redcliffe Elementary School
Tieshia Walker, Ridge Spring-Monetta Elementary School
Jeff Clamp, Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle-High School
Terri Whetstone, Schofield Middle School
Lance Stockton, Silver Bluff High School
Alex Umstead, South Aiken High School
Ethan Busbee, Wagener-Salley High School
Carrie Lucas, Warrenville Elementary School
Traci Martin, XSEL
DISTRICT LEVEL ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR
Kathy Langston, Federal Programs
Leslie Fielder, Instructional Services
Julie Revelle, Instructional Services
Sharon Worley, Operations & Student Services
LaToya Wiley, Special Programs
Beth Taylor, Special Programs & XSEL
Don Pencille, Technology
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR
Anna Beth Harbeson, Belvedere Elementary School
Dede Scott, Clearwater Elementary School
Kyle Blankenship, East Aiken School of the Arts
Kristie Brooks, Midland Valley High School
Kristin Risher, North Augusta High School
Wendy West, Paul Knox Middle School
Teresa Mitchem, Paul Knox Middle School
Miranda Fulmer, Ridge Spring Monetta-Middle High School
Latonia Evans, Schofield Middle School
Tami Shaffer South Aiken High School
PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR
Martha Messick, Aiken Scholars Academy
Jeffery Matthews, Busbee Elementary School
Renae Enlow, Byrd Elementary School
Michelle Padgett, Graniteville Elementary School
Paige Day, Highland Springs Middle School
John Metts, Jefferson Elementary School
Ryan Ashley, Kennedy Middle School
Tiffany Hall, Leavelle McCampbell Middle School
Kimbra Meek, North Augusta Middle School
Callie Herlong Ridge Spring-Monetta Elementary School
KaRon Webb, Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle-High School
Sidney Johnson, Schofield Middle School
Sam Fuller, South Aiken High School
Charlene Heard, Warrenville Elementary School
LINK TO DISTRICT PRESS RELEASE: STARS HONORED AT AIKEN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS ANNUAL EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION EVENT