On August 7, our D7 faculty and staff came together with incredible energy at the SHS Viking Arena to kick off the 2024-2025 school year in style! We were buzzing with excitement as we revealed our annual theme: Going for Great. It was a celebration like no other, featuring our vibrant flag processional, honoring our iReady champions, and shining a spotlight on our amazing Support Staff of the Year, Crystal Apple Award winners, and Teachers of the Year.
Superintendent Stevens unveiled this year’s theme, Going for Great, which embodies our commitment to excellence and our belief in each other’s potential. It’s all about celebrating and inspiring the very best within our D7 family. We’re dedicated to helping every student discover their unique talents and find their place to shine across our diverse programs and opportunities.
We want our families to catch this spirit of excellence and be an integral part of our journey. Together, we’re not just aiming high; we’re reaching for greatness and making our community stronger with every step!
No Opening Convocation would be complete without unveiling the most exciting announcement of all: the District 7 Teacher of the Year! This prestigious honor celebrates the pinnacle of teaching excellence, and this year, we are thrilled to recognize Zonya Johnson, a 1st-grade teacher at Pine Street Elementary, as the 2024-2025 D7 Teacher of the Year.
Principal Dennis Regnier proudly highlights Ms. Johnson’s exceptional talent for making students feel at ease while keeping them engaged and focused. Her remarkable ability to shower her students with unconditional love, understanding, and kindness sets her apart. Zonya Johnson truly exemplifies what it means to inspire and uplift every child in her care. Congratulations, Ms. Johnson!
We’re thrilled to announce our exceptional 2024 Teachers of the Year! These outstanding educators have gone above and beyond to inspire and uplift their students: Dori Helms; Jesse Boyd Elementary; Macy Glisson, Cleveland Academy; Christina Honeycutt, Drayton Mills Elementary; Lauren Hampton, E.P. Todd School; Aeriel Condra-Bogan, Mary H. Wright Elementary; Zonya Johnson, Pine Street Elementary; Kevin Maloney, Carver Middle; Tracy Kennedy, McCracken Middle; Paul Karban, Spartanburg High School; Stacie Howell; Whitlock Flexible Learning Center and Lisa Garcia, McCarthy Teszler School. Congratulations to each of these remarkable teachers for their dedication, passion, and excellence in education! Your hard work and commitment make a profound difference every day.
The Crystal Apple Awards shine a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of our standout first-year teachers. This year, we’re excited to celebrate the achievements of: Mitzi Herr, Jesse Boyd Elementary; Kaiya Barmore, Mary H. Wright Elementary; Rhett DeMark, Carver Middle; Alayna Harding, McCracken Middle; Allison Dunlap, Spartanburg High School and Sydney Sandford, Whitlock Flexible Learning Center and Regina Lowery, Mccarthy Teszler School. A special congratulations to Kaiya Barmore, a third-grade teacher at Mary H. Wright Elementary, who has been honored with the district-level Crystal Apple Award. This top accolade recognizes the most outstanding first-year teacher in D7, and Kaiya's exceptional dedication and impact truly set her apart. Bravo to all our Crystal Apple Award winners for their inspiring start to their teaching careers!
We are excited to honor our 2024 Support Staff Members of the Year! These incredible individuals have shown exceptional dedication and made invaluable contributions to their schools or sites: Heather Carson, Jesse Boyd Elementary; Monica Beyer, Cleveland Academy of Leadership; Lakeisha Walker, Drayton Mills Elementary; Cole Quinn, E.P. Todd School; Patty Watson, Mary H. Wright Elementary; Melissa Craig, Pine Street Elementary; Jay Free, Carver Middle; Kelly Hronesz, McCracken Middle; Cheryl Means, Spartanburg High School; Lasonya Genovese, Whitlock Flexible Learning Center; Jessica McKennedy, Eric Alvarado and Kimitra Mullins, McCarthy Teszler School; Frank Roselyn Allen, Denise Coleman and Sarah Cooney; Jordan Sherbert, DSOC; and Taliaferro (Mr. T) Woodfork, District Office. These remarkable support staff members excel in their roles, ensuring that District 7 runs smoothly and efficiently. Their hard work and commitment are the backbone of our success. Congratulations and thank you for everything you do!
Feel the excitement and join the buzz! Together, as we unite around our shared vision and mission, we’re ready to Go for Great and inspire and equip every student this year!
