The Allendale County School District Board ‘Ignited the Vision’ at their first meeting of the school year where students were leaving with fistfuls of hard-earned money.

A total of $15,500 was awarded to students, staff, and educators by the district for their accomplishments in the classroom and in spring 2022 state testing.

“We’re trying to raise the bar at Allendale County School District,” said Superintendent Dr. Margaret Gilmore.

On the board is Superintendent Dr. Gilmore, Chairwoman Catherine Russell, Elizabeth Gooding, Willa Jennings, Hazeline Perry, and Katrina Youmans.

Parents, teachers, students, staff, and the community were welcomed into the high school gymnasium with feel-good music and enthusiasm by the school board.

“I am super excited you are here this evening,” said Superintendent Dr. Gilmore. “We want to keep you informed about all the wonderful things happening.”

This year, each school in the district is dedicated to a theme of learning. Allendale-Fairfax Elementary School (AFES) is geared to be a STEAM school, which puts an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.

In Allendale-Fairfax Middle School (AFMS), students are entering a ‘Leadership School,’ which teaches them how to lead by example.

High school students are in an ‘Early College School,’ which gives them the option of taking dual enrollment and advanced placement courses for college credit.

“The profile of the S.C. graduate has shifted and changed,” said Johnnie Miller, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, who explained ACSD is growing with these shifts.

Before the cash began to flow, AFES first grader TJ Street led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Recognized first were the students of the month in each school who were given a certificate and a $25 gift card. In AFES, fifth grader Tristian Saab received this honor and was described as respectful and kind by his teacher and administrators.

In AFMS, eighth grader Jailyn Odoms was honored as student of the month. Odoms is new to the band program, and often volunteers to be an example player to ensure she fully understands the expectation.

Tenth grade honors scholar, Kaden Wesley, was recognized as the Allendale-Fairfax High School (AFHS) Student of the Month. Wesley was described as focused and mature.

Teachers of the month, or champions in the classroom as Superintendent Dr. Margaret Gilmore calls them, were also recognized for their dedication to the district and their students.

All classroom champion positions are filled at ACSD but one–an elementary school music teacher. However, Miller explains this spot is soon to be filled.

Miguel Lawrence is a second grade teacher at AFES, and accepted his award with his daughter in his arms. Lawrence was described as always willing to help and instrumental in implementing learning programs for this school year.

Eighth grade social studies teacher and team lead, Bobby Harley, was honored as teacher of the month at AFMS. Harley was described as valuing a close-knit community and appreciated for often helping his fellow teachers.

Rudolph Bell teaches U.S. History at AFHS. Bell was honored as teacher of the month because of his effort to find innovative ways for his students to be successful and instilling the confidence needed to do so.

Superintendent Dr. Gilmore stressed the importance of support staff to the audience, and recognized some key players.

AFES’ Patricia Cohen was recognized for Outstanding Support Staff of the Month and described as upbeat and positive. Cohen serves as a SPED Paraprofessional.

In AFMS, Veronda Cohen was recognized for her work as a receptionist and bookkeeper and honored as Outstanding Support Staff of the Month. According to Superintendent Dr. Gilmore, the bookkeeping records at the middle school were scored ‘perfect’ by the district’s financial auditors.

Superintendent Dr. Gilmore expressed her gratitude for Lester Gill in the realm of transportation. Gill was recognized as Outstanding Bus Driver of the Month, and was described as a versatile player on the transportation team.

Butch Myers was recognized for his dedicated and tireless effort toward maintaining the school and was honored as Custodian of the Month.

Outstanding Food Service Employee of the Month in AFES was Virginia Love, who was described as going above and beyond.

Once recognitions for the month of August were handled, Superintendent Dr. Gilmore welcomed the principals of each school to the podium to read the names of students who exceeded and met expectations on spring state testing in English language arts, math, and science.

Students who met the testing expectation were awarded $50, and students who exceeded expectations were awarded $100.

Many students were leaving the gymnasium with anywhere from $50 to $300 after their guardian signed the required forms.

Students were also awarded for accomplishments in WorkKeys, a system of assessments and curriculum that build and measure workplace skills to better career potential.

Also awarded were students who took an end-of-the-year test in algebra, biology, and/or english. These students were awarded up to $100 for the level of course and therefore test they completed.

Awarded as well were students in grades three through 10 participating in WIDA, or a measure of developing English language. WIDA is a suite of English language proficiency assessments from grades K-12.

Incentivising hard-work is something Superintendent Dr. Gilmore hopes to continue in ACSD, and hopes it continues to inspire students to do their best.

Other projects being ignited at ACSD this year are the high school media center being upgraded along with the multi-purpose room, which is getting new carpet, furniture, and a big projection screen.

Two new SMART Labs consistent with STEM learning will be installed as well; one in the middle/high school, and one in the elementary school.

The district office will be receiving upgrades in the men’s bathroom and the kitchen area.

Also, ACSD achieved system accreditation with many noted strengths and commendations by the accreditors. Not only was ACSD successful in implementing a continuous improvement process, but also in ensuring district effectiveness both in leadership standards.

New initiatives coming to the district are a new HVAC program, a new fine arts director, and a CDL Program in partnership with Denmark Technical College.

For more information on ACSD board meetings, follow ‘Allendale County School District’ on Facebook or visit https://www.acs.k12.sc.us.

Student Recognition

Students who met and exceeded expectations in state testing

Third Grade:

Colten Brant

Armani Brodus

Kahryn Bryant

K’Jenae Cunningham

Tyrin Doe

Bryson Dorch

Ervin Ford

Kinsley Frazier

Ryleigh Gadson

Jaida Gant

Deontae Gardner

Mico Gentle

Timothy Gibbs

Valerie Flores

Alyssa Millsaps

Chandler Morell

Matthew Morell

Kori Robinson

Jahanna Sanders

Jaida Sanders

Heaven Tinsley-Hay

Fourth Grade:

Londyn Bennett

Harmony Brooker

Christopher Burch

Ephesian Bunch

Reanna Doe

Jeremiah Early

Nevah Ellis

Grettel Garcia-Cruz

Ethan Grant

Morghan Harney

Andrew Haughton

Logan Holley

Fernanda Millan

Braiden Mitchell

Katelyn Orizu

Savon Payne

Layla Robinson

Braylen Smoaks

Ameria Williams

Jakaylah Atkerson

Zykhia Brown

Fifth Grade:

Hailey Bowers

Katlyn Bunch

Fernanda Carrillo

Terriyanna Carter

Jace Creech

Chyna Fields

Kalani Gentle

Kandyce Graham

Divine Grayson

Corey Housey

Aidan Isham

Jaylin Loadholt

Lauren Morell

Raegen Scott

Rueben Simpson

Jamazin Smart

Alanah Washington

Tyler White

Camillya Williams

Shariah Young

James Bennett

Jayla Best

Lamarius Chisolm

Sixth Grade:

Lauryn Collins

Cedric Creech

Chloe Davis

Kierstyn Devoe

Malachi Flowers

Ava Fullington

Daeshawna Graham

Ijaanae Grayson

McKailyn Harney

Jesse Law-Anderson

Zane Maner

Alashia Moultrie

Ki’Mora O’Neal

Alondon Owens

Cody Resse

Xavier Thomas

Patience Tyler

Jamarion Williams

Hunter Wilson

S’Miya Bing

Yadira Carrillo

Leroy Davis

Markeise Driessen

Seventh Grade:

Keeghan Glover

Makynli Harney

Imani Holmes

Anthony Johnson

Caylee Lofton

Hannah Meyer

Damontra Morgan

LaVazkia Morell

Markayla Roberts

Oliver Washington Jr.

Zaina White

Layla Barefoot

Erica Bradley

DeNarie Breeland

Casandra Carrillo

Amarionyana Chess

Bryanna Curry

Joronwanna Elmore

Iymesha Grayson

Kennovia Hayward

Hunter Johnson

Mariah Lucas

Jaiden McKnight

Santos Millan

Eighth Grade:

Zyki Priester

ZyNahriah Rhodes

Ariyanna Washington

Kaseana Williams

Warren Williams

Lamont Winfield

Students who met and exceeded expectations in End

of Course Testing

Ninth Grade:

Rebekah Powers

Brianna Holmes

Imajyne Winfield

Shamiah O’Banner

Rhiyanna Bryant

Nekaylah Garrett

Jazlyne Bowers

Marcos Carrillo

Ari Aldrich

Roberto Carrillo

Sequoya Eady

Malachi Flowers

Sinaya Owens

Kanari Cohen

Uziah Dunbar

Kaden Wesley

Dhalilauna Taylor-Maner

Jalin Williams

Gabriel Patterson

Zyshaud Dickerson

Leeaysiah Outing

Tenth Grade:

Cory Brown

Fatima Cervantes

Kaseem Johnson

Trinity Mickell

Yoni Millan

Dante Busby

Tydairus Maner

Brooke Davis

Zion T. Jones

Arlando Terlonge

Diamone Kearse

Keith Rollins

Kaitlyn Patterson

Jada O’Banner

Frances Smith

Shamani Flowers

Ramona McGee

Zyquivionna Brooker

Jeanell Gill

Harold Deloach

Vianney Flores

Xzavion Miller

Zhiyanna Haynes

Da’Nasia Simmons

Students who met and exceeded expectations in Workkeys

Eleventh Grade:

Kharonn Walker

Racheem Albright

Christian Campbell

Shayla Dickerson

Leah Duncan

Essence Freeman

Daquan Williams

Arian Williams

Lakeith Gregory

Brice Moore

Marquay Washington

Students who met and exceeded expectations in WIDA

Valerie Flores

Fernanda Carrillo

Vianney Flores

Aiden Chen

Carlos Ramos

Roberto Carrillo

Jesus Ramos Romero