Seven STARS District Winners standing in front of Aiken County backdrop with their trophies.

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