Four midlands school leaders selected for statewide awards

The South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA) has named four school leaders from the midlands as the 2024 South Carolina Middle Level Principal of the Year, the 2024 South Carolina Elementary Principal of the Year, the 2024 South Carolina Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year, and the 2024 South Carolina Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year.

• Karis Mazyck, principal of Blythewood Middle School in Richland School District Two is the 2024 South Carolina Middle Level Principal of the Year,
• Dr. Sabina Mosso-Taylor, principal of Jackson Creek Elementary School in Richland School District Two, is the 2024 SC Elementary Principal of the Year,
• Meg Huggins, assistant principal at River Bluff High School in Lexington School District One is the 2024 SC Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year, and
• Tomeka Love, assistant principal at Red Bank Elementary School in Lexington School District One, is the 2024 SC Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year.

 

2024 SC Middle Level Principal of the Year: Karis Mazyck

The other finalists for 2024 SC Middle Level Principal of the Year were Karen Bullard, principal of Blue Ridge Middle School in the Greenville County School District and Erin Doty, principal of Crossroads Intermediate School in Lexington-Richland School District 5.

“We are pleased to announce that Karis Mazyck has been named the SCASA Middle Level Principal of the Year,” said Beth Phibbs, Executive Director of the South Carolina Association of School Administrators. “She is an exceptional instructional leader who consistently models high expectations for academic rigor and ensures that teaches have the resources and professional development opportunities necessary to deliver quality instruction. Ms. Mazyck has created a nurturing environment at Blythewood Middle Schools where the students, teachers, staff, and community members feel valued and supported.”

“Karis Mazyck has created an inclusive school environment where her students and staff feel supported and valued. She has successfully kept Blythewood Middle School on the National School to Watch list since 2014, earning redesignations three times during her tenure as principal. In 2019, Ms. Mazyck was a finalist for the state Principal of the Year Award. Her persistence to achieve her personal best while creating ways for students and staff to do the same is why she is the 2024 South Carolina Middle Level Principal of the Year,” said Richland District Two Superintendent Dr. Kim Moore.

 

2024 SC Elementary Principal of the Year: Dr. Sabina Mosso-Taylor

The other finalists for 2024 SC Elementary Principal of the Year were Chad Allen, principal of Pleasant Knoll Elementary in York School District Four and Dawn Hooker, principal of East North Street Academy the Greenville County School District.

Beth Phibbs, Executive Director of the South Carolina Association of School Administrators, continued, “We are excited to announce that Dr. Sabina Mosso-Taylor has bee

n named the SCASA Elementary Principal of the Year. She is a visionary leader who has a deep respect for each child’s unique abilities and who recognized the value that a Montessori education provides to individual students. Dr. Mosso-Taylor’s leadership has made a profound impact on the Jackson Creek Elementary School community.”

Richland District Two Superintendent, Dr. Kim Moore, added, “For the first time in Richland Two history, we have back-to-back state Elementary School Principals of the Year. Dr. Kendra Hill at Bookman Road Elementary won it for 2023, and now Dr. Mosso-Taylor is the 2024 South Carolina Elementary Principal of the Year. A strong advocate for equity in education, Dr. Mosso-Taylor consistently creates and sustains culturally relevant practices in her school for all students to achieve academic success. Additionally, throughout her career, she has committed herself to ensuring students with special needs receive the support they need to excel.”

 

2024 SC Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year: Meg Huggins

The other finalists for 2024 SC Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year were Brittany Cummings, assistant principal at RB Stall High School in the Charleston County School District and Patrice Green, assistant principal at Clover High School in York School District Two.

“We are thrilled to announce that Meg Huggins has been named the SCASA Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year,” said Beth Phibbs, Executive Director of the South Carolina Association of School Administrators. “She inspires her students to work hard and always do their best as well as encouraging and supporting faculty members. Mrs. Huggins is an extraordinary individual who embodies the qualities of an exceptional educator and leader.”

Principal of River Bluff High School, Jacob Smith, said, “Meg Huggins is a relentless leader who lives by the motto ‘We can do hard things.’ While at River Bluff, she has made significant positive changes as an instructional leader, bringing innovation to the school. Meg also drives the Lead Instructional Team (LIT), ensuring equity and academic excellence. Meg’s commitment to student achievement and her ability to inspire positive change make her an outstanding SCASA choice. Her journey as a cancer survivor adds to her inspirational character, making her a source of motivation for colleagues and students.”

 

2024 SC Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year: Tomeka Love

The other finalists for 2024 SC Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year were Michelle Johnson, assistant principal at Seven Oaks Elementary MEDIA Magnet in Lexington-Richland School District Five and Joy Ellison, assistant principal at Liberty Primary School in the Pickens County School District.

Beth Phibbs, Executive Director of the South Carolina Association of School Administrators, continued, “We are pleased to announce that Tomeka Love has been named the SCASA Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year. She builds strong working relationships with the school community she serves. Ms. Love creates an environment where students, families, and staff members feel a sense of belonging and believe they can learn, grow, and thrive regardless of circumstance.”

Principal of Red Bank Elementary School, Janet Ricard, said, “Mrs. Love is a true team player who demonstrates great initiative and is committed to continuous school improvement and building positive relationships with all stakeholders. She immediately began to establish the foundation for building collaborative relationships in our building from our leadership team to all grade levels and other school teams. We are thrilled to celebrate the honor of her being named SCASA’s 2024 South Carolina Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year. We feel very fortunate to call her a Roadrunner!”

Lexington School District One Superintendent, Dr. Gerrita Postlewait, added, “Tomeka Love and Meg Huggins consistently go above and beyond to create positive and supportive learning environments for our students. They are passionate about education and look for innovative ways to improve our schools. They are also strong advocates for our students and teachers and are always willing to go the extra mile to help them succeed.

This well-deserved recognition showcases their outstanding leadership and dedication to our students. Lexington One is grateful for their contributions and the positive impact they have on the lives of our students.”

All four statewide winners were selected from outstanding fields of administrator candidates by a veteran panel of judges. The criteria used in award selection of is set by the National Association of Secondary School Principals and the National Association of Elementary School Principals for the respective award categories. The state sponsors are Horace Mann and Herff Jones.

SCASA, the professional organization for school leaders in South Carolina, has more than 5,300 members. From professional development opportunities and research to publications and legislative advocacy, SCASA’s focus is to support school leaders in providing the best possible education for South Carolina’s young people. As a state affiliate of three national associations for school leaders, SCASA also works on the national level.