Clarendon County School District educators were surprised at their schools Tuesday morning as district leaders delivered news of a rare run of regional honors, including a state-level award for East Clarendon Middle/High School counselor Elizabeth Briley.
The recognitions included Santee Lynches Work-Based Learning Student of the Year for Ethan Preast, Santee Lynches Global Career Development Facilitator of the Year for Alicia McFadden and Santee Lynches Guidance Counselor of the Year for Briley. Briley also earned the title of 2026 South Carolina Guidance Counselor of the Year.
District leaders described the honors as a near clean sweep of the South Carolina Department of Education awards available in the Santee Lynches region.
For Briley, the surprise at East Clarendon Middle/High was both emotional and humbling.
“Honestly, I was just stunned and I still am,” Briley said. “As I looked around the room, I kept thinking about all the people who have walked this journey with me over the past 22+ years of being a school counselor.”
She said the recognition honors not only her own work, but the support of fellow educators and her family.
“I really believe the education field is a ministry,” Briley said. “I praise the Lord every day that I get to love and serve others through this ministry.”
At East Clarendon, Briley said the heart of her work has always been the students she calls her “school babies.”
“The most meaningful part of my career is simply being there for them,” she said. “I get to celebrate their shining moments, support them through their hardest challenges, and remind them they are seen, valued and cherished no matter what.”
She said she hopes the award also shines a light on the role school counselors play behind the scenes.
“School counselors wear many hats and much of our work isn’t always visible,” Briley said. “Even so, I hope this award reflects that students and families have someone in their corner every single day.”
McFadden, who was recognized as Career Development Facilitator of the Year, said the honor was a meaningful affirmation of the work she does helping students envision life after graduation.
McFadden said the recognition brought both joy and reassurance that her efforts are making a difference for students and the district, while also reflecting the relationships she has built with students, teachers, administrators and business partners through her work.
“It’s one thing to talk about classes or assignments, but when students see how their interests can turn into actual opportunities, their motivation shifts,” McFadden said. “In the end, it’s about helping students see the endless possibilities they may not have considered and giving them the tools and confidence to go after them.”
Superintendent Dr. Shawn Johnson praised the honorees and said their awards reflect the work being done across the district.
“I am immensely proud of our students and staff for their dedication and hard work, which have led to this remarkable recognition,” Johnson said. “Achievements like those of Ethan Preast, Alicia McFadden, and Elizabeth Briley exemplify the commitment to excellence that defines the Clarendon County School District.”
Shameki Ketter, SCDE regional career specialist, called the district’s accomplishments historic.
“Clarendon County School District has made history by almost taking all of the awards in the region and having a state award,” Ketter said.
For the Clarendon County School District, Tuesday’s surprises brought more than applause. They offered a public reminder that the work happening in its schools, from counseling offices to career development programs, is being noticed far beyond county lines.
