North Augusta teacher wins Edgefield County Teacher of the Year; teachers and staff recognized

Sep. 16—Smiles and plaques were awarded to several Edgefield County school teachers and staff during their districtwide recognition ceremony.

Tiffany Burton, a third-grade teacher at Merriwether Elementary School in North Augusta, was awarded the title of 2022 Teacher of the Year for the District. Hunter Wilson, a special education paraprofessional at Strom Thurmond High School was also honored as the 2022 Support Staffer of the Year.

The annual breakfast took place on Friday, Sept. 16, as all the winners for each school's Teacher and Support Staffer of the Year were recognized for their accomplishments.

"I just feel so blessed by being recognized by my coworkers, and being able to accomplish this is something that is amazing and I will cherish forever," Burton said.

An internal and external panel of teachers across the state helped decide the winners.

"It's just a blessing to work in this district and to be nominated by my team at Strom Thurmond and, of course, with the district ,as well," Wilson said. "It is a moment I will never forget, and I really appreciate the opportunity for this."

Recognized teachers and staff members were awarded a day off as part of their award recognition.

"They have the respect and admiration of students, parents and coworkers. These teachers will have the opportunity to serve on the district's teacher forum as teacher leaders and advisors for the district," ECSD Director of Instruction Stephanie Wallace said.

"For our school district to be successful, it takes the hard work of many, including our support staff who work tirelessly to make sure that our students are provided warm meals, a safe and clean environment, and encourage our students and fellow staff members each and everyday to be our best," ECSD Assistant Superintendent David Fallaw said. "Our support staff play an enormous and essential role in creating a learning environment where our students can excel and reach their goals."

Edgefield County School District Superintendent Kevin O'Gorman is happy to celebrate the teachers' and staff's hard work.

"I think hearing the stories from their colleagues about what they do at the school, it really just helps us all truly appreciate what all of our folks do in and out," O'Gorman said. "These are, obviously, some of the highlights of what goes on in our district; and it is nice to sit back and relax and be a part of a celebration of them."

Samantha Winn covers the cities of North Augusta and Augusta, with a focus on community oriented business and events. Follow her on Twitter: @samanthamwinn and on Facebook and Instagram: @swinnnews.