Two upstate school leaders selected for statewide awards
November 30, 2022
The South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA) has named two school leaders from the Upstate as the 2023 South Carolina Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year and the 2023 South Carolina Middle Level Principal of the Year. Ashley Williams, assistant principal at D.R. Hill Middle School in Spartanburg District 5, is the 2023 SC Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year, and Mary Leslie Anderson, principal of League Academy of Communication Arts in the Greenville County School District, is the 2023 SC Middle Level Principal of the Year.
The other finalists for 2023 SC Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year were Alisa Long, assistant principal at Meadow Glen Middle School in Lexington District 1; Rebecca Dilley, assistant principal at Chapin Intermediate School in Lexington-Richland District 5; and Sandra Taylor, assistant principal at Blue Ridge Middle School in the Greenville County School District.
“We are excited to announce that Ashley Williams has been named the SCASA Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year,” said Beth Phibbs, Executive Director of the South Carolina Association of School Administrators. “She is an outstanding leader who is dedicated to creating a learning environment in which staff and students can flourish professionally and academically. She is committed to building relationships and partnerships within the community she serves.”
Principal of D.R. Hill Middle School, Terry Glasgow, said, “As assistant principal for curriculum and instruction, Ashley has been instrumental in maintaining high expectations for student learning. She is passionate about assisting teachers and understands the importance of building and maintaining positive relationships with staff, students, and their families. She is a dedicated educator who is an asset to both our school and district.”
Superintendent of Spartanburg District 5, Dr. Randall Gary, commented on the impression Ashley Williams makes on her school community, “Mrs. Williams is a phenomenal administrator, who is extremely deserving of this recognition. Her outstanding leadership makes an impact inside and outside the classroom at D.R. Hill Middle School, as she strives daily to positively influence both students and staff. We are so proud to call her part of the District Five family.”
The other finalists for 2023 SC Middle Level Principal of the Year were Angela Burns, principal of Crayton Middle School in Richland District 1, and Tiffany Hall, principal of Leavelle McCampbell Middle School in the Aiken County School District.
Beth Phibbs, Executive Director of the South Carolina Association of School Administrators, continued, “We are pleased to announce that Mary Leslie Anderson has been named the SCASA Middle Level Principal of the Year. She is an exceptional leader who inspires collaboration through the development of a common focus. Mrs. Anderson is a constant resource for her students and empowers her staff to find ways to meet the needs of each student.”
Superintendent of the Greenville County School District, Dr. Burke Royster, added, “We congratulate Mary Leslie Anderson on being named the 2023 South Carolina Middle Level Principal of the Year by SCASA. This is a tremendous honor and recognizes Mrs. Anderson’s outstanding leadership, her unwavering commitment to helping all students achieve their full potential, and her dedication to supporting League Academy’s staff so they are prepared to teach and inspire their students each day.”
Both Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Anderson were selected from outstanding fields of administrator candidates by a veteran panel of judges. The criteria used in the selection of both awards are set by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. The state sponsors are Horace Mann and Herff Jones.
SCASA, the professional organization for school leaders in South Carolina, has more than 5,000 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.
