Aiken County Public Schools (ACPSD) recently celebrated its brightest educators and staff at the 2025–2026 STARS of Public Education banquet, held Thursday, March 20, at Aiken High School.
The annual event recognized excellence in public education, honoring exceptional employees across the district in seven key categories, according to a press release from ACPSD.
Originally established to spotlight Teachers of the Year, the STARS program now honors educators, support staff, professional personnel, and school- and district-level leaders.
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Superintendent Dr. Corey Murphy said the celebration is a chance to “shine a well-deserved spotlight on the educators, leaders and support staff who exemplify excellence in public education.”
Winners in each of the district-wide categories were announced during the ceremony, following the introduction of Honor Court nominees.
Each Honor Court member received a plaque, while district winners were awarded trophies, gold rings from Jostens Rhodes Graduation Services, and monetary gifts made possible through community sponsorships.
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The 2025–2026 STARS of Public Education are:
- GEM (Giving Even More) of the Year: Ni’Jae Jerry, Busbee Elementary School
- Professional Staff Member of the Year: Rashad Roland, Transportation Department
- District Level Administrator of the Year: Merry Glenne Piccolino, Communications & Community Partnerships
- Assistant Principal of the Year: David Harris, North Augusta High School
- Principal of the Year: Shunte Dugar, Schofield Middle School
- First Year Teacher of the Year: Theresa Reeves, Byrd Elementary School
- Teacher of the Year: Dr. Christie Palladino, Aiken County Career & Technology Center
In addition to the awards, guests enjoyed a dinner program featuring a slideshow of nominees, music by the Aiken High School Jazz Band, and logistical support from Aiken High’s NJROTC.
The celebration was made possible by major sponsors including The Aiken Standard (Title Sponsor), Savannah River Nuclear Solutions and Jostens Rhodes Graduation Services (Platinum Sponsors), H.G. Reynolds Construction Engineers (Gold Sponsor) and Security Federal Bank (Silver Sponsor), according to a press release from ACPSD.
To view the complete list of winners and honorees, visit: https://www.acpsd.net/article/2114196
