"See Ya Next Time, Saluda!"

I don’t think it’s any secret at all that I believe that education is something we should celebrate daily. My parents raised me to believe that education was one of the most important things in life, following Jesus and minding my manners, and I have always placed teachers on a real shiny pedestal. I love to see teachers (and the great work they do) being celebrated, and so I was absolutely honored to attend the Teacher of the Year banquet in Saluda County this past week.

I was not aware of just how far away Saluda is from Lake City, but it made for a nice little trek! My momma went with me, and it was nice to have some “me and her” time to catch up and sing and just be quiet together. In case you haven’t realized, I love my momma.

Reaching Saluda was interesting. After going through busy Columbia and Lexington, it was like a little piece of peaceful paradise just sprang up on Highway 378. The banquet was held at the Saluda County Educational Complex which is super nice, and it was to honor the district’s school Teachers of the Year and the retirees who retired at the end of the previous school. I thought that was a great idea. In one ceremony, they were able to honor those teachers recognized for excelling each day at what they do and those faculty and staff members who have given their all to education and South Carolina students. It made it very special, for sure.

I was able to spend some time that evening talking with Saluda Superintendent, Dr. David Mathis, and from my time talking with him, I can tell you two very important things about him. #1- He is proud of the schools, teachers, and students of Saluda County. #2- He is passionate about providing the best possible education for children in Saluda. After I realized that, I didn’t care what football team he pulled for or who his favorite author was…I was a fan of his! I know his faculty and staff appreciate his leadership! On his welcome on the district’s webpage, he has the following quote from Confucious, “ If your plan is for one year, plant rice. If your plan is for ten years, plant trees. If your plan is for one hundred years, educate children.” You could tell that this wasn’t just a nice saying, but that in Saluda, they live that philosophy. And two other things...everyone in Saluda is nice, or at least they were to me. Shealy's catered this event. I might try to get a ticket every year!

I was able to be present through the ceremony where the Teachers of the Year from the Saluda schools were introduced, and I can also tell you that this district has amazing teachers, teachers who love students and are passionate about educating them. They had amazing stories, and several of them were graduates of the district who had returned to teach there. I always think that is an amazing testament to the greatness of a district/school.

At the end of the evening, Mr. Paul Johnson from Saluda High School was named District Teacher of the Year! Congratulations, Paul! We look forward to seeing you at your regional teacher forum meeting!