Clarendon Hall will have a new headmaster as of July 1, according to a release from the school's Board of Trustees.
Kelley B. Wannamaker was on campus Tuesday, introducing herself to the full faculty and staff. She succeeds Headmaster Phillip J. Rizzo Jr., who announced his retirement in January. Rizzo, who will remain at Clarendon Hall through June 30, and will assist in the transition, has led the school for six years.
A native South Carolinian, Wannamaker received her bachelor of science and master of education degrees from the University of South Carolina. She has been in the education field since 1990, working with children from birth through 12th grade. She comes to Clarendon Hall from Orangeburg Preparatory School, where she served for two years as lower campus principal and 12 years as head of school.
"Mr. Rizzo is one of the best administrators we have ever had," said Clarendon Hall Board Chairman and CEO Charles B. "Tripp" James III. "He has raised our academic standards immensely; hired a strong, dedicated faculty; and created a student-focused environment. Clarendon Hall would not be where it is today without him."
Board President and alumnus L. Travis McIntosh said that Rizzo had "a genuine love and concern for the students and their families."
"He has the heart of a Saint, and Clarendon Hall has been blessed by his outstanding leadership," said McIntosh. "Mrs. Wannamaker is a people person with a proven track record. In addition to her education experience and impressive credentials, she has 14 years as a (South Carolina Independent School Association) school administrator and has served as president of the SCISA Headmaster's Association. She is sincerely interested and engages others, especially the students and staff, and wants them to succeed."
James agreed.
"After meeting Mrs. Wannamaker, we knew she was the next leader for Clarendon Hall," he said. "We are confident she will continue to raise the bar and enable our students to excel while remaining true to our mission of academic excellence in a Christian environment."
Wannamaker said she was drawn to the school because of its "distinct reputation of offering a quality education in a warm, family-friendly, Christian atmosphere."
"To be given the opportunity to serve as the next headmaster is very humbling," she said. "I realize the vital role the school plays in the community, and I understand that continued success is extremely important. I look forward to working with the board, staff, parents and students of Clarendon Hall.”
Wannamaker and her husband, Rusty, have five children - four daughters and a son - and a grandson. The family will grow in the next year with weddings for two of the children. They are members of First Presbyterian Church of Orangeburg.
