Mundy named BCCSD Teacher of the Year

A Williston native is the 2023 Barnwell County Consolidated School District Teacher of the Year.

Dalton Mundy received the top award on May 25 during the district’s end-of-the-year celebration with faculty and staff. Mundy is an alumnus of Williston-Elko High School (WEHS) and just wrapped up his fourth year as a physical education teacher at Kelly Edwards Elementary School (KEES). He also coaches football and baseball at WEHS.

“This is such an honor to receive this and it’s confirmation that teaching is the right fit for me. It is even more special to receive it being a part of where I grew up and went to school. This place is and will always be home,” said Mundy.

He thanks his wife and son for being his biggest supporters and encouraging him daily, plus his parents and other family members for always loving and supporting him. He acknowledges his KEES family for making work fun and enjoyable.

“Coach Mundy has displayed an unwavering commitment to our scholars, school, and local community. His positive interactions with our students, staff, parents, and community members have helped set the tone for effective instruction, partnerships, and student-centered activities,” said KEES Principal Monique Smalls.

Mundy credits a job shadow experience with Kenny Lipsey, who is now the WEHS head football coach, with leading him down the path of education. “Seeing how he taught and how much the kids loved his class inspired me to teach,” said Mundy.

He wants to inspire students just as Lipsey did for him. “My favorite part of teaching is seeing the joy on students' faces from something I present to them,” he said.

As the new district teacher of the year, Mundy said he looks forward to representing his school and district “with positive energy and enthusiasm. I want to spread the message to other educators that you are important, and you make a difference every day even if you don’t fully feel like you do. Every day as an educator you change lives whether it be your students or your coworkers.”

The district also recognized the other four school-level teachers of the year, including Emilie Mallett from Williston-Elko Middle School (WEMS), Alan LeRoy from WEHS, Rajasekar Yarraguntla from Macedonia Elementary-Middle School (MEMS), and Annette Felder from Blackville-Hilda High School (BHHS).

EMILIE MALLETT

Emilie Mallett loves helping her students succeed.

The English teacher by training is currently a math and ELA interventionist at WEMS.

“Being selected as WEMS's Teacher of the Year is a huge honor. I consider myself fortunate to work with such a wonderful group of folks; that they think so highly of me is an incredible feeling,” said Mallett.

She has been a teacher for six years, but came to Williston two years ago. Though she was nervous about being an “outsider” coming to a small, tight-knit community like Williston, she said WEMS and the entire district welcomed her with open arms.

“I am thankful every day to have a job that I love, and to work with such great people,” said Mallett.

WEMS Principal Dr. Austrai Bradley said Mallett is a “unique educator who understands the challenges faced in the education profession. As such, she is always prepared and willing to do more! She has a keen sense of fairness and the ability to work with a diverse group of students, staff, and parents. Effortlessly, she gives of her time during her planning working with those not assigned to her class, where she has built a strong rapport with some of the most academically challenged students.”

Though it’s hard to narrow down one thing she loves about being an educator, Mallett said she enjoys the scholars, particularly their perspectives, sense of humor, and individual personalities. “I also love that no two days are the same. I think the thing I love the most about being an educator is seeing the sense of accomplishment a student feels when they finally get something they've strived to understand.”

ALAN LEROY

Alan LeRoy wrapped up his tenure in Williston as Williston-Elko High School’s Teacher of the Year.

“It is nice being recognized for the work that all of us teachers have to do. I love being an educator because I get to work with the youth and teach them about the importance of being healthy and developing a healthy lifestyle,” said LeRoy, a physical education teacher and coach.

He just finished up his 22nd year in education in South Carolina, including his 8th year at WEHS.

“Coach LeRoy is an outstanding teacher and an asset to the school district. Coach LeRoy's dedication and commitment to student success and well-being are evident in the love and passion he pours into this profession. Williston-Elko High School is a better place because of all Coach LeRoy does for our school and scholars. As a principal, I never had to worry about Coach LeRoy because he conducts himself at a high standard and is a prime example of the teacher every educator should strive to emulate,” said WEHS Principal Tony Flowers.

Flowers said he will miss LeRoy who is heading to Barnwell to teach and coach next year.

RAJASEKAR YARRAGUNTLA

Rajasekar Yarraguntla is a resource for his students.

The native of India has been a teacher for 12 years. His mother, also a special education teacher, inspired his career path. He started his career in India before moving to the United States in 2014. He came to Blackville in 2019 where he is a resource teacher at MEMS and BHHS.

“Mr. Yarraguntla has performed an excellent job during his tenure. Overall, 1) he did a fantastic job delivering instruction to students; 2) he establishes a classroom environment that students enjoy; 3) he presented high standards of performance for students; 4) he was an excellent manager of his classroom; and 5) he had an excellent rapport with the students he teaches. Mr. Yarraguntla is an unselfish person. He is always willing to give of himself and his time,” said MEMS Principal Eryl Smalls.

As an educator, Yarraguntla believes in the words of Ignacio Estrada who said: “If a child can't learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.”

“I am passionate about meeting the needs of the individual student in the classroom by teaching them based on their abilities and making them as independent as possible,” Yarraguntla said.

To accomplish that goal, he believes in constantly learning new things and incorporating technology into education. He also works to show each student their strengths and weaknesses to boost their confidence.

“I will advocate creating more learning opportunities for parents, teachers, and staff members,” he said.

ANNETTE FELDER

Annette Felder found her true calling in education after a previous career in business.

“I initially planned to stay in education for 10 years but quickly learned this was where I wanted and needed to be. As a result, I have been with Blackville Public Schools for 16 years and love every minute of it,” said Felder, a business education teacher.

This is the second time she’s been named Teacher of the Year for Blackville-Hilda High School. She was previously chosen in 2015.

“Mrs. Felder is an extraordinary teacher and mentor. She goes above and beyond to ensure every student knows they are loved and an important part of her class. Mrs. Felder has been touching the lives of students for years and they continue to come back and thank her for her tough love and pushing them to be better. Mrs. Felder is one of a kind and we are very lucky to have her represent Blackville-Hilda High School as our teacher of the year,” said BHHS Principal Christina Snider.

Teaching comes naturally for Felder, who loves helping others and believes everyone can learn something new.

“You have to first build a relationship where they are comfortable enough to trust you and find a forever confidant. I have high expectations for all my students because in my classroom my motto is 'Failure is not an option', so I stay over, come in early, work through lunch, and do whatever it takes to help my students prepare for future success. I love both the support team here, my coworkers, and the students,” said Felder.

Snider said Felder brought back the “best yearbook ever” this year. Felder also served as student government advisor and is one of the assistant principals.