Richland Two principal selected as South Carolina Elementary School Principal of the Year

Catawba Trail Elementary Principal Denise Barth was announced as the South Carolina Elementary School Principal of the Year by the South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA), during a surprise ceremony. Students, staff and district administrators gathered in the gym to surprise and congratulate Barth as representatives from SCASA presented her with the award.

Barth began her 33-year teaching career in Richland Two as a sixth-grade English and Language Arts teacher in 1983, at E.L. Wright Middle School. She has served the district as a teacher, administrator, assistant principal and principal. She left the principal position at North Springs Elementary to open Catawba Trail Elementary in 2011, where she currently serves.

“Everything I do begins with my vision, and one of the greatest challenges is to make my vision tangible to every stakeholder,” said Barth. “I believe every child must love to come to school every day…achievement will follow.”

“I have known Denise Barth for more than 20 years and throughout those years, have seen her touch the lives of students, parents and fellow educators in ways that make a positive difference,” said Superintendent Debbie Hamm. “She creates a culture and climate in her school that encourages all students to succeed, and we are proud of her for receiving this outstanding honor.”

As part of the National Distinguished Principals program, the South Carolina Principal of the Year program honors outstanding administrators who ensure that children acquire a sound foundation for lifelong learning and achievement. The national program was established in 1984 to recognize and celebrate elementary- and middle-level principals who set high standards for instruction, student achievement, character and climate for the students, families and staffs in their learning communities.

Barth will now move on to represent South Carolina in the National Distinguished Principals program.