Two Richland Two Principals named the best in South Carolina

This is a historic week for Richland School District Two. The South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA) has named Dr. Sabina Mosso-Taylor the 2024 South Carolina Elementary Principal of the Year and Mrs. Karis Mazyck the 2024 South Carolina Middle-Level Principal of the Year. Dr. Mosso-Taylor is the principal of Jackson Creek Elementary School. Mrs. Mazyck is the principal of Blythewood Middle School.

This is the second time since 2010 that Richland Two has had two state Principals of the Year in the same year. This is the first time in the district’s history to have back-to-back state Elementary School Principals of the Year. Last year, SCASA named Dr. Kendra Hill, principal of Bookman Road Elementary School, the 2023 South Carolina Elementary Principal of the Year.

Dr. Sabina Mosso-Taylor

Dr. Mosso-Taylor has been a principal for 10 years, serving seven of them at Jackson Creek Elementary. For three years, she was the principal of the Center for Achievement Magnet. Before that, she was the Lead Teacher for Spears Creek Road Child Development & Montessori School in Richland Two.

“I am so honored to be named the 2024 South Carolina Elementary Principal of the Year. No words seem adequate to describe my feelings now. I have so many people to thank for their support, encouragement, and commitment to what we are doing at Jackson Creek Elementary. One thing I know for sure is it takes a village to do this incredibly meaningful work, and I am eternally grateful for my village,” said Dr. Mosso-Taylor.

At Jackson Creek, Dr. Mosso-Taylor and her staff have established three core tenets to guide their work: Culturally Relevant Practices, AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination) College and Career Readiness, and the 7 Mindsets (The Time is Now, Everything is Possible, We Are Connected, Live to Give, 100% Accountable, Attitude of Gratitude, and Passion First).

Dr. Mosso-Taylor is a 2022 recipient of the national American Consortium Champion for Equity in Education School Leadership Award and the 2023 recipient of the SC Early Childhood Education Association’s Kevin Swick Family and School-Community Award, and the Honorary Jeanne Greene Administrator Award.

She holds a Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Education in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Carolina; and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education/Special Education from the University of Tennessee at Martin.

Mrs. Karis Mazyck

Karis Mazyck has created an inclusive school environment where her students and staff feel supported and valued. She has managed to keep Blythewood Middle School on the National School to Watch list since 2014, earning redesignations three times during her tenure as principal.

“I am honored to receive this award on behalf of my entire school. This recognition is not only mine to claim, but rather it is a testament to the unwavering support of my school district, the dedication of my entire faculty and staff, and most especially, my Administrative Leadership Team. I am inspired each day by their support and dedication as we work to provide a nurturing environment for our students,” said Mrs. Mazyck.

In 2019, Mrs. Mazyck was a finalist for the state Principal of the Year Award and in 2010 she was named the South Carolina Assistant Principal of the Year. She has served on the board of directors for the South Carolina Association of Middle Level Educators.

Mrs. Mazyck holds a Bachelor of Science in biology, a Master of Public Health in health promotion and education, and a Master of Education in educational leadership and policies from the University of South Carolina.

Dr. Kim Moore, superintendent of Richland Two School District Two says there is much to celebrate with these best-in-the-state designations.

“I commend Dr. Mosso-Taylor and Mrs. Mazyck on a job well done and encourage them to continue being strong advocates for children as they aspire to do their personal best. These awards recognize the collaborative work that is taking place with parents, students, staff, partners, and their school communities. These achievements are an example of why Richland School District Two should be every parent and student’s first choice because we are the best choice,” said Dr. Moore.

A veteran panel of judges selected Dr. Mosso-Taylor and Mrs. Mazyck as the best elementary and middle school principals in the state from an outstanding field of administrator candidates.