Dr. Brice Laughter appreciates the tight-knit community in the Langley-Bath-Clearwater area, which reminds him of the small mill village where he grew up in Greer. Laughter was recently-named Principal of Langley-Bath Clearwater (LBC) Middle School and began his new position at LBC Monday (January 23, 2023).
“I think it’s neat that I am going to be able to serve the LBC community and have an impact in the lives of students who remind me a lot of myself at that age,” he explained.
Laughter has served for the last five years as an Assistant Principal at Aiken High School, and prior to that as a Business Education Teacher, Instructional Learning Leader, LD Resource Teacher, and Teacher Coach in communities throughout the state. Laughter says he’s hoping to be a positive addition to LBC’s already strong community and school.
With a focus on helping students develop personally and professionally, Laughter worked alongside Aiken High’s school counselors to develop unique internship opportunities and motivated students through implementation of the “Hornet of the Month” program.
In 2021, Laughter completed the District’s Aspiring Principal Program and had the opportunity to learn and grow from his assignment at New Ellenton Middle STEAM Magnet, where he worked alongside the District’s 2022-23 Middle Level Principal of the Year Shunte Dugar. “She taught me so much,” he commented, “and really got me excited about serving students at this level.”
The District’s Board of Education, at their regularly scheduled meeting January 10, 2023, approved Laughter’s appointment as the new principal at LBC Middle School, replacing outgoing LBC Principal Casey Rogers as he transitions to serve as Principal at Paul Knox.
As he transitions to his new role as principal at the middle level, Laughter acknowledges the great work outgoing LBC Middle Principal Casey Rogers has done as he poured himself into the school. Laughter’s hope is to build on the policies and procedures the school already has in place while making his own mark on the school and within the community.
“We are excited to have Dr. Laughter join our middle school team,” Assistant Superintendent for Middle Schools Dr. Phyllis Gamble commented. “I am really looking forward to working with him.”
Laughter received his undergraduate degrees from Winthrop University. He also has a Masters Degree in Special Education, as well as an Educational Specialist degree in School Administration and Leadership from Converse College. He later earned his Doctorate in School Administration and Leadership from Liberty University.
“Dr. Laughter is an outstanding educator and leader,” shared Superintendent King Laurence. “In the years I have known him, he has regularly impressed me with his knowledge, attention to detail, and heart for students. LBC Middle School is gaining an excellent leader.”
Laughter credits a former baseball coach for believing in him and helping him to realize he could do more with his life than he ever thought possible. “That is where my heart for servant leadership and pouring into other people comes from,” he shared. “Whether it’s students or other adults in the building, being in a position to make an impact and help students, teachers and staff achieve their personal best is very rewarding and brings things full-circle for me.”
Parents, students and community members are invited to come out and welcome Dr. Laughter to LBC at a Meet and Greet Event planned for Thursday, January 26, from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
LINK TO DISTRICT PRESS RELEASE: PR LAUGHTER LANDS PRINCIPALSHIP AT LANGLEY-BATH-CLEARWATER MIDDLE SCHOOL