On Thursday, March 21, the Aiken County Public Schools District honored its STARS of Public Education during a banquet held at Aiken High School.
Expanding from an event that was originally held to celebrate every school’s Teacher of the Year and name a District winner, the school district’s annual employee recognition ceremony has grown over the years to a comprehensive recognition program that now honors educators as well as other star employees, including those in support, supervisory and other professional roles.
“This evening and this tradition of celebrating educators is one of my favorite nights of the year,” said District Superintendent King Laurence, who will be retiring at the end of the 2023-24 school year.
The STARS of Public Education event recognizes the best and brightest throughout the district in seven categories, including 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 and Teacher of the Year.
MORE: Summerville boutique and antique shop proves not hard to find
Winners of the categories included the following:
- GEM of the Year – Tanja Brammer – instructional aide from Paul Knox Middle School
- Professional Staff Member of the Year – Monica Wells – school nurse for North Aiken Elementary School
- District Level Administrator of the Year – Carl White – director of student services for the district’s Division of Operations and Student Services
- Assistant Principal of the Year – Karen Fiery – assistant principal at Busbee Elementary School
- Principal of the Yar – Michelle Padgett – principal of Graniteville Elementary School
- First Year Teacher of the Year – Meghan Barrett – band teacher at North Augusta Middle School
- Teacher of the Year Award – Philip Sirk – social studies teacher from Jackson STEM Magnet Middle School
“Our District of Teacher of the Year winner is described as someone who has excellent rapport with students and ensures students experience success by challenging their abilities to encourage as much growth and development as possible,” said Laurance.
In addition to winners being celebrated, Honor Court members were also honored prior to the District winners’ announcement.
While each Honor Court Member received a special plaque as a symbol of their accomplishments, through sponsorships, district winners also received a monetary award and a specially selected trophy along with a gold ring to celebrate their honor, courtesy of Jostens Rhodes Graduation Services’ Platinum Sponsorship.
Key sponsors for the event included Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, the Aiken Standard, Panera Bread, SRP Federal Credit Union and more.
“All employees supporting one another and appreciating each other’s contributions to our shared work makes tonight beautiful,” said Laurence.
To view the full list of winners, please visit the district’s website at https://www.acpsd.net
