SHINING BRIGHT: DISTRICT HONORS 2025-2026 STARS OF PUBLIC EDUCATION AT ANNUAL RECOGNITION BANQUET
Aiken County Public Schools proudly celebrated its 2025–2026 STARS of Public Education during its annual recognition banquet, held at Aiken High School on Thursday, March 20.
What began as a celebration of Teachers of the Year has evolved into a comprehensive recognition program that honors exceptional staff members across the district—including educators, support staff, professional personnel, and both school- and district-level leaders.
“It is truly an honor to be here tonight as we celebrate the outstanding individuals who make a difference in the lives of our students, families, and school communities every single day,” shared ACPSD Superintendent Dr. Corey Murphy. “Tonight’s Stars of Public Education event allows us to shine a well-deserved spotlight on the educators, leaders, and support staff who exemplify excellence in public education.”
The STARS of Public Education event recognizes excellence in seven district-wide categories:
GEM (Giving Even More) of the Year
Professional Staff Member of the Year
District Level Administrator of the Year
Assistant Principal of the Year
Principal of the Year
First Year Teacher of the Year
Teacher of the Year
School and department-level honorees were recognized during the March 20 celebration, and Honor Court members were introduced in each category before the announcement of this year’s district-level winners.
Each Honor Court member received a commemorative plaque in recognition of their achievement. Thanks to generous community support, district winners also received a monetary award, a specially selected trophy, and a gold ring provided by Jostens Rhodes Graduation Services, a Platinum Sponsor.
Additional contributions from community partners helped make the evening memorable—from a dedicated Special Section in The Aiken Standard, our Title Sponsor, to door prizes courtesy of Floyd & Green Jewelers and The Willcox for lucky nominees.
Congratulations to our 2025–2026 STARS of Public Education:
GEM of the Year – Ni’Jae Jerry
Professional Staff Member of the Year – Rashad Roland
District Level Administrator of the Year – Merry Glenne Piccolino
Assistant Principal of the Year – David Harris
Principal of the Year – Shunte Dugar
First Year Teacher of the Year –Theresa Reeves
Teacher of the Year – Dr. Christie Palladino
Aiken County Public Schools extends its sincere appreciation to Aiken High School for graciously hosting the event, the Aiken High School Jazz Band for providing musical entertainment to begin the evening, and Aiken High’s NJROTC for their outstanding support with parking and logistics.
We also thank the following major sponsors for their generous contributions in helping us celebrate excellence in public education:
Title Sponsor: The Aiken Standard
Platinum Sponsors: Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, Jostens Rhodes Graduation Services
Gold Sponsor: H.G. Reynolds Construction Engineers
Silver Sponsor: Security Federal Bank
NAMING 2025–2026 STARS OF PUBLIC EDUCATION
Following dinner, during which guests viewed a slideshow highlighting nominees and winners from each school and department in every award category, Chief Financial Officer Tray Traxler resumed the program with the recognition of the GEM of the Year Honor Court.
GEM OF THE YEAR AWARD
The 2025–2026 GEM of the Year Award Honor Court included:
Ni’Jae Jerry, Special Education Aide, Busbee Elementary School
Eileen Drum, Field Supervisor, Child Nutrition Program
Lou Wakefield, Evaluation/Certification Associate, Human Resources
Brooke Kirkland, Secretary, Millbrook Elementary School
Audrey Thurmond, Head Custodian, Warrenville Elementary School
“The winner of our District GEM of the Year Award is described as someone whose work is evident in every corner of the workplace. From the smiles on students’ faces to the respect of colleagues, this GEM inspires everyone around them through their positivity, flexibility, and remarkable ability to adapt. They are an indispensable member of their team who changes lives every day, embodying the heart of what education is all about,” Traxler shared. “Join me in congratulating our 2025–2026 GEM of the Year winner, Ni’Jae Jerry.”
ACPSD’s GEM was quickly surrounded by several family members and friends who had been invited to surprise him.
PROFESSIONAL STAFF MEMBER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Dr. Tim Yarborough, the District’s Chief Officer of Operations & Student Services, welcomed to the stage the 2025–2026 Professional Staff Member of the Year Award Honor Court, which included:
Julie Waugh, Lead Attendance Supervisor, Attendance Office
Tina Gregory, Special Revenue Accountant, Business Services
Scott Hunter, Maintenance Systems Program Manager, Maintenance Department
Brittany Zaremba, School Psychologist, Special Programs
Rashad Roland, Transportation Supervisor, Transportation Department
“Our District Professional Staff Member is described as someone who consistently demonstrates a high level of professionalism, dedication, and integrity that positively impacts our schools, the district, and the broader community. This Professional Staff Member’s pleasant demeanor and exceptional intelligence allow them to approach challenges with a thoughtful and solution-oriented mindset—continuously seeking opportunities to improve processes and support others,” Yarborough shared as he announced and congratulated the winner, Rashad Roland.
Just like the newly named GEM of the Year, Roland and the other District winners that followed were quickly surrounded by loved ones who had been hidden backstage, ready to surprise and celebrate them.
DISTRICT LEVEL ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
Jennifer Hart, the District’s Chief Officer of Administration and Human Resources, introduced the District Level Administrator of the Year Award Honor Court:
Merry Glenne Piccolino, Director of Communications & Community Partnerships
Micki Dove, Director of Curriculum & Supports, Division of Instruction
Julie Revelle, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools, Division of Instruction
“The winner of our District Level Administrator of the Year Award is described as the epitome of professionalism, with an unwavering commitment to excellence. She strives to bring out the best in those around her—whether working with staff, students, or community members. Her kindness and warmth shine through in every interaction, showing how deeply she cares about the success of Aiken County’s schools and the people within them. This District Level Administrator has been an incredible driving force in fostering positive change across our district,” Hart shared before congratulating the 2025–2026 winner, Merry Glenne Piccolino.
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR AWARD
Dr. Salvatore Minolfo was honored to recognize the administrators he supports through his role as the District’s Director of Administration for their dedication to shaping students’ academic success and cultivating leadership within their buildings.
The 2025–2026 Assistant Principal of the Year Award Honor Court included:
Terra van der Linden, Assistant Principal, Millbrook Elementary School
David Harris, Assistant Principal, North Augusta High School
Patrick Newsome, Assistant Principal, Ridge Spring-Monetta Elementary School
“Our District Assistant Principal of the Year is described as an invaluable leader within their school community. This Assistant Principal exemplifies the qualities of an effective educational leader, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to student success and ensuring students have the opportunities and resources needed to thrive. Their dedication, integrity, and collaborative spirit demonstrate the importance they place on teamwork and achieving shared goals,” Dr. Minolfo shared as he announced the winner, Mr. David Harris.
PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR AWARD
Dr. Amy Edwards, the District’s Chief Officer of Instruction, welcomed to the stage the 2025–2026 Principal of the Year Award Honor Court, which included:
Elisa Sanders-Pee, Principal, North Aiken Elementary School
Shunte Dugar, Principal, Schofield Middle School
Rasheem Neloms, Principal, Wagener-Salley High School
“This year’s District Principal of the Year is on the cutting edge of 21st-century learning. Under their leadership, staff collaborate to provide students with learning tasks that reflect real-life scenarios and build critical thinking, creativity, and academic skills. Cultivating a school environment rooted in mutual respect, this principal’s relationships are evident in every hallway and classroom visit. Their commitment to student success extends beyond their own school building. They serve as a mentor to both current and aspiring administrators, taking time to shadow others and engage in coaching conversations that foster growth across the district,” Dr. Edwards shared before congratulating the 2025–2026 winner, Shunte Dugar.
FIRST YEAR TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Christen Sikes was honored to celebrate the many exceptionally skillful and dedicated new educators she supports in her role as the District’s Educator Effectiveness Coordinator.
The 2025–2026 First Year Teacher of the Year Award Honor Court included:
Theresa Reeves, 4th Grade Teacher, Byrd Elementary School
Sarah Porter, Art Teacher, Gloverville Elementary School
Walker Seymour, Math Teacher, Paul Knox Middle School
Colby Gerald, Music Teacher, Redcliffe Elementary School
Jessica Matlock, Math Teacher, Silver Bluff High School
“The winner of our First Year Teacher of the Year Award has demonstrated remarkable passion, innovation, and a natural ability to connect with students. This first-year teacher has created a positive and engaging classroom environment where every student feels valued, respected, and excited to learn. By using differentiated strategies to meet the diverse needs of their students, they ensure each child is supported, challenged, and celebrated. This educator collaborates seamlessly with colleagues, embraces a growth mindset, and serves as a positive influence within both their school and the district,” Sikes shared before announcing the 2025–2026 winner, Theresa Reeves.
TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD
District Superintendent Dr. Corey Murphy welcomed the final group of honorees to the stage as he recognized the 2025–2026 Teacher of the Year Award Honor Court, which included:
Christie Palladino, Science Teacher, Aiken County Career & Technology Center
Shannon Hoffmann, 4K Teacher, Hammond Hill Elementary School
Emily Bostedor, Special Education Teacher, Jefferson Elementary School
Dawn Valentine, Science Teacher, Kennedy Middle School
Alinda Anderson, Math Teacher, Schofield Middle School
“Our District Teacher of the Year embodies the very essence of what it means to be a dedicated educator and mentor. Her vision and determination have been instrumental in launching a new program in our district, one that equips students with real-world skills critical to their future success. She consistently goes above and beyond to support student growth and achievement, making a profound impact not only in her classroom and school but across Aiken County,” Dr. Murphy shared as he congratulated the 2025–2026 District Teacher of the Year, Dr. Christie Palladino.
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
Ginger Chandler, A.L. Corbett Middle
Andrew Nobles, Aiken County Career & Technology Center
Amy Bailey, Aiken Elementary
Cyndi Tice, Aiken High
Mark Courtney, Aiken Intermediate
Kaitlyn Spires, Belvedere Elementary
Ni’Jae Jerry, Busbee Elementary
Wanda Dukes, Business Services & Procurement
Melissa Thomas, Byrd Elementary
Stephanie House, Center for Innovative Learning
Eileen Drum, Child Nutrition Program
Dorothy Williams, Chukker Creek Elementary
Sammie Prescott, Clearwater Elementary
Lisa Francis, East Aiken School of the Arts
Brandon Harley, Educational Technology
Lois Tucker, Federal Programs
Ashley Morris, Gloverville Elementary
Karen Jardine, Graniteville Elementary
Kristy Yaun, Greendale Elementary
Jelessa Smith, Hammond Hill Elementary
Lisa Spires, Highland Springs Middle
Lou Wakefield, Human Resources
Grenda Owens, J.D. Lever Elementary
Jennifer Akins, Jackson STEM Magnet Middle
Michelle Robinson, Jefferson Elementary
Ashley Wren, Kennedy Middle
Aimee Jay, LBC Middle
Tomeka Barnes, Leavelle McCampbell Middle
Shalonda Drayton, Maintenance
Keith Herrington, Midland Valley High
Brooke Kirkland, Millbrook Elementary
Geannie Coleman, Mossy Creek Elementary
Sherman Harley, New Ellenton Middle STEM Magnet
Lakesha Baxley, North Aiken Elementary
Monica Stroman, North Augusta Elementary
Michelle Johnson, North Augusta High
Antonio Gary, North Augusta Middle
Adrienne Bush, Oakwood-Windsor Elementary
Renee Reynolds, Operations & Student Services
Darlene Bell, Paul Knox Middle
Sylvia Campbell, Redcliffe Elementary
Thomasina Garrett, RSM Elementary
Tonya Merritt, RSM Middle/High
Angie White, Schofield Middle
Da’Mon Bradley, South Aiken High
Angela Miller, Special Programs
Kim Chriswell, Office of Superintendent
Katrina Burns, Transportation
Tynieshia Stroman, Wagener-Salley High
Audrey Thurmond, Warrenville Elementary
Tammy Reddish, XSEL
PROFESSIONAL STAFF MEMBER OF THE YEAR
Julie Waugh, Attendance Office
Tina Gregory, Business Services
Heather Hammett, Clearwater Elementary
Jacqueline Reed, Gloverville Elementary
Scott Hunter, Maintenance
Brooke Dingler, Special Programs
Karen Turner, Special Programs
Brittany Zaremba, Special Programs
Rashad Roland, Transportation
DISTRICT LEVEL ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR
Salvatore Minolfo, Administration
Dustin Fowler, Aiken Innovate
Julie Forrester, Business Services
Mark Dugar, Center for Innovative Learning
Merry Glenne Piccolino, Communications
Shawn Chandler, Educational Technology
Michelle Everhart, Educational Technology
Brian Gibbons, Federal Programs
Micki Dove, Instructional Services
Eric Jeffcoat, Instructional Services
Kathy Langston, Instructional Services
Berkeley Postell, Instructional Services
Julie Revelle, Instructional Services
Amy Bryce, Special Programs
Lauren Enter, Special Programs
Beth Taylor, Special Programs
Sharon Harris, Transportation
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR
Anna Beth Harbeson, Belvedere Elementary
Nicole Stansell, Kennedy Middle
Terra van der Linden, Millbrook Elementary
David Harris, North Augusta High
Wendy West, Paul Knox Middle
Patrick Newsome, RSM Elementary
Miranda Fulmer, RSM Middle/High
PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR
Martha Messick, Aiken Scholars Academy
Renae Enlow, Byrd Elementary
Caroline Barker, Greendale Elementary
Paige Day, Highland Springs Middle
John Metts, Jefferson Elementary
Elisa Sanders-Pee, North Aiken Elementary
Kimbra Meek, North Augusta Middle
Davina Truitt, Oakwood-Windsor Elementary
Shunte Dugar, Schofield Middle
Rasheem Neloms, Wagener-Salley High
FIRST YEAR TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Dolphus Bell, Aiken County Career & Technology Center
Katelyn Lybrand, Aiken Elementary
Brenda Owuor, Aiken High
Meagan O’Quinn, Aiken Intermediate
Megan Ziel, Belvedere Elementary
Tonya Wiggins, Busbee Elementary
Theresa Reeves, Byrd Elementary
Carlton Anderson-Stallings, Chukker Creek Elementary
Jennifer Powell, Clearwater Elementary
Ally Williams, East Aiken School of the Arts
Sarah Porter, Gloverville Elementary
Rebecca Turnage, J.D. Lever Elementary
Lauren Lee, Jefferson Elementary
Austin Berkebile, Kennedy Middle
Robert McGinnis, Leavelle McCampbell Middle
Kayla Hartsock, Midland Valley High
Jalen Dugar, North Aiken Elementary
Danielle King, North Augusta Elementary
Valencia Flowers, North Augusta High
Walker Seymour, Paul Knox Middle
Colby Gerald, Redcliffe Elementary
Rhonda Carey, RSM Middle/High
Elizabeth Roberts, Schofield Middle
Jessica Matlock, Silver Bluff High
Jackson Shugart, South Aiken High
Joshua Kitchens, Wagener-Salley High
Casey Walls, Warrenville Elementary
TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Erria Daniels, A.L. Corbett Middle
Christie Palladino, Aiken County Career & Technology Center
Amanda Auvenshine, Aiken Elementary
Tycia Wright, Aiken High
Julie Griffin, Aiken Innovate
Jessica Goss, Aiken Intermediate
Anne Poplin, Aiken Scholars Academy
Rachel Ayers, Belvedere Elementary
Morgan Foster, Busbee Elementary
Amber Bowman, Byrd Elementary
Khaleelah Stroman, Center for Innovative Learning
Nikki Ellis, Chukker Creek Elementary
Michelle Walter, Clearwater Elementary
Tara Gardner, East Aiken School of the Arts
Christina Williams, Gloverville Elementary
Angela Arthur, Graniteville Elementary
Debbie Williams, Greendale Elementary
Shannon Hoffmann, Hammond Hill Elementary
Kiersten Long, Highland Springs Middle
Lisa Davis, J.D. Lever Elementary
Q’Ladrin Qourters, Jackson STEM Magnet Middle
Emily Bostedor, Jefferson Elementary
Dawn Valentine, Kennedy Middle
Amanda Vance, LBC Middle
Jerri Tutt, Leavelle McCampbell Middle
Amber Stokes, Midland Valley High
Alice Bryant, Millbrook Elementary
Holly Roberts, Mossy Creek Elementary
Katie Tate, New Ellenton Middle STEAM Magnet
Ja’Kima Carter, North Aiken Elementary
Kelly Anne Moore, North Augusta Elementary
April Koonce, North Augusta High
Robin McGee, North Augusta Middle
Missy Meesseman, Oakwood-Windsor Elementary
Taylor Robinson, Paul Knox Middle
Courtney Robinson, Redcliffe Elementary
Jennifer Perkins, RSM Elementary
Emma Mayo, RSM Middle/High
Alinda Anderson, Schofield Middle
Cherity Robinson, Silver Bluff High
Kimberly Bush, South Aiken High
Christina Stader, Special Programs
Richard Bailey, Wagener-Salley High
Jessica Herndon, Warrenville Elementary
Vikki Grisham-Gaillard, XSEL