North Charleston High’s Hannah Studemeyer earns State Assistant Principal of the Year honor

Hundreds of North Charleston High School students and staff, along with Charleston County School District (CCSD) leaders and community members, including City of North Charleston Mayor Reggie Burgess, surprised Assistant Principal Hannah Studemeyer in front of the school as she learned she is the 2026 South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA) Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year.

Studemeyer is the first administrator from CCSD to win this award since 2003, when Wando High School’s Kim Wilson earned the prestigious distinction. Studemeyer actually worked with Wilson when he was the principal at R.B. Stall High School.

“I come in every day to work and I want to make a difference, and I hope I do,” said Studemeyer. “The award is a recognition that I am doing what I am supposed to be doing, what God wants me to do, and that I am leaving the world a better place. However, this award is not about me. It’s about North Charleston High School.”

Studemeyer was selected for her exemplary leadership, her passion for rigorous, student-centered instruction, and her unwavering belief in every student’s potential. Her work, grounded in data, strong relationships, and innovative instructional practices, has helped drive measurable improvements in student outcomes, strengthened and expanded support systems for multilingual learners, and energized a schoolwide culture of high expectations and excellence.

Studemeyer, who has served as an assistant principal for six years, is widely recognized for building strong Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), advancing personalized learning in every classroom, and providing hands-on coaching that empowers both teachers and students. Her leadership has also contributed to significant growth in Algebra 1 and ELA performance, the redesign of collaborative learning environments, and the establishment of innovative learning structures such as the Multilingual Learner Learning Pod. She played an integral part in helping North Charleston High become the first high school to be recognized as a School of Innovation by the South Carolina State Board of Education.

Principal Henry Darby praised Ms. Studemeyer’s exceptional impact.

“What a beautiful and marvelous accomplishment,” explained Principal Darby. “Mrs. Studemeyer is truly one of the brightest stars in the galaxy of education within Charleston County School District and beyond. North Charleston High School is fortunate to have her as an assistant principal for curriculum and instruction, illuminating challenging pathways and crafting relevant, innovative approaches that lead to academic success for students, teachers, and administrators. We are indeed very proud of her.”

“Mrs. Studemeyer is an extraordinary leader whose commitment to students and teachers is evident in everything she does,” added Superintendent Anita Huggins. “Her steady, student-focused approach has strengthened North Charleston High School and contributed to the meaningful improvements we are seeing in student outcomes. This recognition reflects her dedication, her expertise, and her unwavering belief in what our young people can achieve. She makes North Charleston High School and Charleston County School District very proud. We are grateful for her leadership and honored to celebrate her in this way.”

Studemeyer will now represent South Carolina at the national level through the NASSP (National Association of Secondary School Principals) National Assistant Principal of the Year program.

For additional information about Studemeyer, please contact Principal Henry Darby at (843) 745-7140. To learn more about the award, visit SCASA’s website.