6/14/07

Teachers’ Appreciation Day honors the best in Clarendon
By Eric Goold

SAM LEVY/Manning Times

The second annual Teachers’ Recognition and Appreciation Day honored teachers from all three Clarendon County school districts, as well as their superintendents. Pictured with event chairperson Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Richburg are District 1 Superintendent Dr. Rose Wilder, District 2 Superintendent John Tindal and District 3 Superintendent Dr. Mary Rice-Crenshaw.

Some of the hardest working and most important citizens in Clarendon County were honored on June 2 at the Cypress Center.

The second annual Teachers’ Recognition and Appreciation Day honoring Clarendon School Districts 1, 2 and 3 was held in front of a packed house and the ceremony was memorable for all.

Dignitaries, educators, religious leaders, city and county council members and appreciative residents in Clarendon County all gathered to recognize teachers and praised them for their hard work.

The first Teachers’ Day was June 17 of last year. Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Richburg was inspired by the Holy Spirit to host a ceremony that would recognize teachers for their service to schools and the community.

With the support of her husband, Rev. Dr. Cokley Richburg, along with several community, school and corporate sponsors, Dr. Richburg was able to host the first Teachers’ Day. She became the first recipient of the “Eagle Award,” the highest award given by Clarendon School District 1 for her special achievements.

The Richburg’s have served as Pastor and First Lady of St. John Baptist Church for over 36 years. They have been married for 55 years and are the proud parents of five sons.

The second Teachers’ Day was even better than the first and helped ensure that the tradition of honoring Clarendon County teachers every year will continue.

Mr. Bobby Fleming presided over the Order of Appreciation Ceremony, which featured musical selections by the Scott’s Branch High School Jazz Ensemble.

Manning Mayor Kevin Johnson greeted the audience and special words of appreciation came from the three area school superintendents (Dr. Rose Wilder, Mr. John Tindal and Dr. Mary Rice-Crenshaw) as well as Dr. Betty Caldwell-Stukes, professor of education at Benedict College in Columbia.

Ms. Janice Coney, Vice President of the Clarendon County Teachers’ Appreciation Committee, gave a special dedication for retired teachers.

Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Richburg and Ms. Diane Pugh recognized teachers with special presentations, and Ms. Patricia Burwell, recording secretary for the Clarendon County Teachers’ Appreciation Committee, concluded with special remarks.

Everyone then enjoyed a fine meal presented by the Manning High School Food Service. Ms. Diane Blanding was the catering supervisor.

Some of the teachers who were honored included Catherine “Renae” Bowman, Scott’s Branch Intermediate School; Samonia Baxter-Pearson, St. Paul Primary School; Betsy R. Owens, Manning Early Childhood Center; Mrs. Michele Johnson Demery, Manning Primary School; Mrs. Leila Jean Riley-Carson; Mrs. Rosanne Matthews, Manning Elementary School; Mr. Alexander Villalobos, East Clarendon High School; Ms. Priscilla Green, Walker Gamble Elementary School; Mrs. Patty Epps.