WEST COLUMBIA, SC – Lexington Two ushered in its new Performing Arts Center in a big way earlier this month, recognizing all school-level Teachers and Support Staff of the Year, followed by the announcement of District Teacher of the Year and District Support Staff of the Year, as part of a district-wide employee Convocation to kick off the new school year.
Thursday, all of the district’s school-level Teachers and Support Staff of the Year, along with the two district-level winners – David Goff, a high school English teacher at New Bridge Academy, and Jennifer Lowery, computer lab manager at Congaree Elementary – were celebrated at a public reception in the Performing Arts Center atrium, attended by family, friends, colleagues, elected officials, and others.
“This is one of our favorite events, celebrating the teachers and support staff who help set the standard for serving our students, families, colleagues, and community,” said Superintendent Dr. Brenda Hafner. “We’ve been talking a lot about doing ‘Whatever It Takes,’ and that is certainly what these employees are bringing to our students and schools every day.”
Following are those honored at the August 15 reception.
Teachers of the Year
Airport High School: Odaliz Martinez-Cruz
Brookland-Cayce High School: Haley Williamson
Busbee Creative Arts Academy: Lauren Letellier-Hennessy
Cayce Elementary School: Julia “Lucy” Easterlin
Congaree Elementary School: Maggie Cusey
Fulmer Middle School: Brook Wickersham
Lexington Two Innovation Center: Chet Henderson
New Bridge Academy: David Goff
Northside Middle School: Ann Hutto
Pine Ridge Middle School: Chris Lott
Riverbank Elementary School: Madison FitzGerald
Saluda River Academy For The Arts: Ashley McDonald
Springdale Elementary School: Mary Creech
Three Rivers: Maria Wentley
Wood Elementary School: Erin Erwin
DISTRICT TEACHER OF THE YEAR: David Goff
Goff’s selection as District Teacher of the Year was made by a panel of judges from the community in the education field. He will now represent Lexington Two in the South Carolina Teacher of the Year competition. The statewide winner is named in the spring.
Support Staff of the Year
Airport High School: Beth Ruff
Brookland-Cayce High School: Stacy Coggins
Busbee Creative Arts Academy: Gary McGhee
Cayce Elementary School: Jennie Jordan
Congaree Elementary School: Jennifer Lowery
Fulmer Middle School: Danielle Nesbit
Lexington Two Innovation Center: Bernie Adkins
Northside Middle School: Arnetria Thompson
Pine Ridge Middle School: Stacey Brown-Smith
Riverbank Elementary School: Courtney Schneider
Saluda River Academy For The Arts: Lisa Gissendanner
Springdale Elementary School: Brandi Sloan
Three Rivers: Latoya Stokes
Wood Elementary School: Wendy DeRouen
Transportation Office: Angela Wright
Community Education Center/District Office/Maintenance: Linda Vaughn
DISTRICT SUPPORT STAFF OF THE YEAR: Jennifer Lowery
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Lexington Two Teachers and Support Staff of the Year pose during an August 15 reception at the Performing Arts Center.