The Inaugural Clarendon County Educators Appreciation Program, titled “Clarendon, Celebrating the Heart of Education,” was held on August 2 at the Manning High School Gymnasium. The event, organized by the Summerton Rotary Club, honored local educators and featured speeches, musical performances, and community pledges to support educational excellence.
Dr. Jacqueline Inabinette, a member of the Summerton Rotary Club, opened the event with a warm welcome, followed by the Posting of the Colors by the Combined JROTC Color Guard and the Pledge of Allegiance led by MSgt. (Ret.) Jamie B. Dixon of Manning High School ROTC. Mr. Trip Boykin, Headmaster of Laurence Manning Academy, spoke on the occasion, highlighting the importance of educators in shaping the future of Clarendon County.
A Prayer of Thanksgiving was offered by Mr. Wright Turbeville, another Rotary Club member, and a musical selection was performed by Dr. Brenda Clark, a retired educator and community partner. Dr. Inabinette then introduced the keynote speaker, Braden Wilson, the 2025 South Carolina Teacher of the Year from Anderson County School District.
Wilson, who teaches 8th-grade social studies at Palmetto Middle School, shared an inspirational message about the profound impact teachers can have on their students. She reflected on her journey to becoming a teacher, inspired by her sixth-grade social studies teacher, Miss Shotten, who made history come alive through storytelling and personal engagement. “Miss Shotten made me love history because she taught it in a way that was engaging and relatable. She told stories that made ancient civilizations and historical events feel real and exciting,” Wilson recounted.
Wilson emphasized the importance of understanding and connecting with students, stating, “Teaching children history provides them with an opportunity to explore what they love while making sense of the world around them. It’s about discovering student interests and cultivating experiences that make history engaging and relatable for every kind of learner.” She added, “We must strive to know our students beyond their test scores and academic achievements. It’s about seeing them as individuals with unique stories and potential.”
She shared anecdotes from her teaching career, including her efforts to get to know her students on a personal level and create a supportive, inclusive classroom environment. Wilson highlighted the significance of small, everyday interactions in building trust and fostering a love of learning among students. “The little things you do every day for a child add up to big things. When you greet a student by name or take an interest in their hobbies, it can make a world of difference in their lives,” she said.
Following Wilson’s speech, Mrs. Maureen Dunton from the Bank of Clarendon spoke on community support for education, and Mrs. Rose Newton, also from the Bank of Clarendon, led the Pledge to Excellence in Education in Clarendon County. The pledge emphasized lifelong learning, student-centered teaching, equity and inclusion, collaboration, innovation, and well-being.
Mayor Julia Nelson of Manning offered a closing prayer, and the Clarendon County Educators’ Chorale performed a musical selection. Dr. Lynn Teague, President of the Summerton Rotary Club, presented tokens of appreciation to the educators, and Mrs. Christy Nexsen, a teacher, guidance counselor, and bus driver, delivered responses on behalf of the educators.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Al Truesdale and Dr. Jacqueline Inabinette, who thanked the Summerton Rotary Club members, patron sponsors, and all participants for making the inaugural program a success.
Wilson’s message resonated with the audience, reminding them of the lasting impact teachers can have on their students’ lives. “The little things you do every day for a child add up to big things,” she said. “This year, focus on the small things and treat kindness as if it’s something huge, even when you don’t see it.” She concluded with a heartfelt wish for her fellow educators: “I hope that your coffee is strong, that your lesson plans are creative, and that you find joy in the little moments that make teaching so rewarding.”
The Clarendon County Educators Appreciation Program celebrated the community’s dedication to supporting and celebrating its educators, setting a positive tone for the upcoming school year.
