GRANITEVILLE – Midland Valley High School Principal Sheldon Higgenbottom walked out into the hallway on Friday morning to a rousing ovation from his District colleagues.
With a quick and painless shot from Rural Health Services Nurse Erica Bingley, he had just become the first ACPSD employee to receive a COVID-19 vaccination during Friday’s clinic. Higgenbottom’s first of two doses of the Moderna vaccine signified a significant step forward for the school district in providing a new level of safety and security for employees against the coronavirus.
“It feels really good to finally get the vaccine,” stated Higgenbottom. “I know this is the first step toward someday not having to wear masks and getting back to the normalcy we’ve been accustomed to so I can’t wait. I’m so glad we were able to open up our school to everyone today and show what we have here and just give back. I know our community is proud about that.”
The clinic at Midland Valley is the first of six that will be held throughout the school district during the month of March. Future vaccination clinics will be held at Silver Bluff High School (March 16), Aiken High School (March 19), North Augusta High School (March 24), Wagener-Salley High School (March 26) and Ridge Spring-Monetta High School (March 30).
Aiken County Superintendent King Laurence, who also received his first dose of the Moderna vaccine during Friday’s clinic at Midland Valley High School, praised Rural Health Services for its partnership during the March clinics.
“We are very grateful to Rural Health Services for coming alongside us and providing the first dose of the Moderna vaccine to our school district employees,” commented Superintendent Laurence.
Teachers who attended Friday’s vaccination clinic expressed their appreciation to Aiken County Public Schools for offering the vaccine clinic at their work site and holding it during school hours.
Midland Valley High School science teachers Palvi Mohanty and Breanna Allen received their vaccination shots moments apart and were already feeling more confident before they completed their 15-minute post-vaccination observation time.
“I am feeling safer now,” stated Ms. Mohanty. “I’m feeling more confident about helping the students. I wanted to get the vaccination right away.”
“I feel safer and more comfortable,” added Ms. Allen. “Having the vaccination clinic here at Midland Valley High School was very convenient so we weren’t having to take time off or rush anywhere after work.”
Appointment times remain for District employees who still wish to be vaccinated, something Superintendent Laurence encourages teachers and staff members to do as soon as possible.
“Being able to offer a COVID-19 vaccine to our employees has been a desire of mine for a long time and to have it begin today has been terrific,” stated Superintendent Laurence. “We thank Midland Valley High School for hosting today’s clinic and strongly encourage all employees to take advantage of the upcoming vaccination clinics and receive the Moderna vaccine.”
LINK TO DISTRICT PRESS RELEASE: 2021 DISTRICT CELEBRATES FIRST VACCINATION CLINIC