The Superintendent, Interim Assistant Superintendent, principals, school staff, students, and parents came together to celebrate the success of the Colleton County School District regarding the school report cards and to acknowledge the academic success of students throughout the district.
The Band of Blue treated the attendees to Christmas and other music prior to the beginning of the program. Opening remarks were given by Dr. Cordelia Jenkins, Interim Assistant Superintendent. Special music was provided by the CCHS Chorus Ensemble featuring two exceptional solos. Vice Chairperson of the Colleton County School Board of Trustees, Lynn Stroble, delivered a moving invocation. Mr. Chris Horvath, gave a heartfelt and enthusiastic welcome to all.
Superintendent of Schools, Jessica Williams, recognized special guests who came and joined in the celebration. Those acknowledged were: Current School Board of Trustees members Glenn Nixon, Lynn Stroble, Roman Cunningham, Charles Murdaugh, Sharon Witkin, and Craig Stivender, Mr. Bob Pence, Mrs. Jane Pence, Mrs. Leila Williams, South Carolina House of Representatives Robby Robbins, Mr. and Mrs. Herman and Anna Bright, Lois Miller from DJJ, Stu Greenberg with Curriculum Associates, and Crystal Collins and Pam Walker with ArtsNOW. South Carolina State Superintendent Ellen Weaver was unable to personally attend; however, she prepared and sent a video praising CCSD for their accomplishments and how exceptional the accomplishments are. Mr. Glenn Nixon, Chairperson for the School Board of Trustees then delivered celebratory remarks.
Mrs. Williams proceeded to give special recognitions to the schools in the district for their individual achievements. Principals and staff members from each school accepted awards for their schools’ successes. The principals from each school are: Bells Elementary-Angel Ferguson, Cottageville Elementary-Tasheena Allen, Forest Hill Elementary-Joseph Guarino, Hendersonville Elementary-Florrie Edwards, Northside Elementary-Lauren Behie, Colleton County Middle School-Eddie Peeples, Colleton County High School-Uirica Bodison, Thunderbolt Career and Technology Center-Andy Kubick, Black Street Early Childhood Center-Tiffany Pearson, and Colleton County Academy for Success-Dr. Ron Youmans.
Janies Headden, the Director of Teaching and Learning then took the podium to recognize the academic recognitions of students in the district and to make a special recognition. Mrs. Jessica Williams was presented with a bouquet of roses and a clock to emphasize the motto she brought to the district: “It’s all about the kids! The time is now!” Mrs. Williams was unaware she was being honored and graciously accepted the recognition through tears and with joy.
Mrs. Headden then shared the requirements for academic recognition for teachers and students. Teachers become eligible when 80% or more of their students score Met or Exemplary on a state assessment in their content area. Five teachers were recognized: Isaac Agina, Tina Briz (pronounced breeze), Melanie Henderson, William Jones, and Dawn Young. Students become eligible for this distinction by earning and Exemplary score on at least one SC READY assessment. Students who achieve a perfect score (100%) on any End-of-Course (EOC) also qualify for this honor. Students earned a perfect 100-scale score on their End-of-Course assessments in Algebra 1, English I, Biology, or U.S. History. 277 students were honored.
It was a night to celebrate what all has been done, but with an eye on the future to see what great things Colleton County School District can do in the future.
