Plain Elementary fourth grade teacher Suzanne Billings was named the 2017-18 Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year on August 16. She is recognized for creating a positive, inclusive classroom community in which all students take ownership of learning and each student's talents and abilities are allowed to shine.

During her acceptance speech, Billings said, "This school year is our time to shine. It’s the time to shine the light on our students and let them shine in their own best light. I’m grounded by these three words – imagine, create, inspire. May we imagine the purpose of our students, our colleagues, and ourselves to be our best. May we create an environment of confidence and encourage one another. May we inspire each other to believe in ourselves and the impact we have on everyone we interact with. "

She added, “My reward in teaching is observing students who imagine, create, and inspire for themselves, not just for a teacher or parent.” Quoting Clemson Football Coach Dabo Swinney, Billings said, "Let the light that shines in you be brighter than the light that shines on you."

Runners-up

• Anjosia Ellerbe, Business Education teacher at Wade Hampton High was named First Runner-up
• Erin Rigot, Sixth Grade ELA/Communications teacher at League Middle Academy was named Second Runner-up
• Ashley Jenkins, Social Studies/World History teacher at Woodmont High was named Third Runner-up

Finalists

Jeremy Bowen, Math, J.L. Mann High Academy; Scott Buhr, Science, Hillcrest High; David Dejesa, Social Studies, Riverside High; Chancey Greco, English, Greenville Middle Academy; Lauren Long, English, Hillcrest Middle, and Thomas McAuliff, Third Grade, Taylors Elementary.

Emerging Teachers of the Year

Katie Inclan, a second grade teacher at Plain Elementary School, was named the Elementary Level Emerging Teacher of the Year, and Matthew Giacalone, a seventh grade science teacher at Greenville Middle Academy, was named Secondary Level Emerging Teacher of the Year.

The Emerging Teachers of the Year Program, sponsored by Greenville Federal Credit Union, recognizes two second or third year teachers for outstanding performance. Each winner receives $500, a crystal award, and $500 for their school.

Listen as these teachers talk about hopes and dreams for the new school year.

United Way - Building a Cycle of Success

Thank you for making the 2016 Greenville County Schools campaign a success as we raised more than $612,000! Here’s a quick snapshot of our contributions:

• We have 142 Palmetto Society members.
• Greer Middle School had the highest average gift.
• Woodmont High School had the largest overall campaign at $20,191.
• Greer Middle School had the largest middle school campaign, raising $17,255.
• The largest elementary school campaign was Welcome Elementary at $9,237.
• Berea High School saw the largest increase in giving, raising $4,000 more than last year.
• Greenville County Schools is the eighth largest school district in the nation in terms of United Way contributions.
• GCS is the county's fifth largest campaign.
• GCS students directly benefit from United Way dollars through OnTrack Greenville, Hands on Greenville, and School Tools, just to name a few of the agencies that provide services.
• Some schools have already kicked off their campaigns. Other schools can be on the lookout in the coming weeks for an email announcing the start of your school or building campaign. Thank you for your continued support of United Way of Greenville County!

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