Lexington Two celebrates Teachers of the Year, Support Staff of the Year at reception

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.

Lexington Two Teachers and Support Staff of the Year who attended Thursday’s reception in the atrium of the Performing Arts Center.

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. 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