What an incredible way to kick off the school year! Our entire district came together on Opening Day to eat, socialize, and have a little fun as we prepared to welcome students back. The energy was contagious as staff from every school connected and celebrated the start of a new year.
This year’s theme, “Every Student. Every Day.”, was proudly displayed on the back of our shirts—reminding us of our shared purpose. Thanks to the generosity of Hope South Credit Union, every staff member received a t-shirt and enjoyed a delicious lunch. As teachers arrived, they were warmly welcomed at the door by Anderson University, SCEA, and the Palmetto Teachers Association, helping set a positive tone for the day.
We were also deeply grateful for the raffle prizes that made the day even more exciting! A huge thank you goes to the following businesses and individuals who generously donated items for this event:
WCTEL, Ferguson Florist, Gagnon Chiropractic, Off the Hook, Rocky Dunkman (CCM), Peach State Farm and Garden, Spraying Sparks Metal Arts, Pink on Pickney, Main Street Coffee, Richie’s Funeral Home, Food for the Soul, Cold Springs Cafe, Stoll Industry, Theos, Refuel, Devine Your Space (Kyle Fuller), Chick-fil-A, Subway, Revive, Bosler Backhoe, Applied Data Technology, Harris Funeral Home, The Range, Ivan’s Woodworks, Honea Path Ace Hardware, Rolling Dough, Lynette Lindell, Pro Nails, and two generous anonymous donors.
We were proud to celebrate each school’s Teacher of the Year:
Ashton Johnson, Diamond Hill Elementary
Chandler Shirley, John C Calhoun Elementary
Sandy Robinson, Cherokee Trail Elementary
Emily Smith, Long Cane Elementary
Caitlin King, Westwood Elementary
Allison Dunlap, Wright Middle School
Anne Marie New, Abbeville County Career Center
Arnaldo Sabatino, Abbeville High School
Anthony Martin, Dixie High School
Congratulations to Mr. Arnaldo Sabatino from Abbeville High School as this year’s District Teacher of the Year. His dedication to students and leadership in the classroom inspire us all.
And who could forget the inflatable principal race? After an exciting finish and a tie-breaking dance-off, Mr. Prescott, Principal of Dixie High School—dressed as a rooster—crowned the day by winning the trophy!
From the laughter and fun to the meaningful moments, Opening Day was a wonderful reminder that when we come together as a district family, great things happen. Here’s to a strong start and an amazing year ahead!
