As the 2024 IEI Roadshow unfolds, I’m thrilled to share some highlights from two inspiring visits: D.W. Daniel High School in Pickens County and Abbeville County School District.
D.W. Daniel High School: A Beacon of Leadership and Innovation
We kicked off our roadshow at D.W. Daniel High School in Pickens CSD, where Superintendent Dr. Danny Merck and Chief Communications Officer Dr. Darian Byrd welcomed us. The school's vibrant culture, led by Principal Adam Russell, was apparent from the start, especially through the engagement of their Link Leaders, juniors, and seniors mentoring freshmen in servant leadership.
A standout moment was meeting Mr. Kevin Stinehart, a fourth-grade teacher from Central Academy of The Arts, who introduced us to his revolutionary “Play Club." This unstructured play initiative encourages creativity and collaboration, making a remarkable difference in student engagement and well-being.
D.W. Daniel High School boasts many achievements, including a record-breaking 91.5% graduation rate. The school is also home to 26 Advanced Placement courses and has strong ties to Clemson University, offering students a pathway to higher academic achievement. Innovative spaces like the Tech Hub and The Daniel Depot promote hands-on learning and creativity, preparing students for the future.
Principal Russell summed up the school’s mission beautifully: “Culture is a practice. It’s an investment in people. It’s joy. It’s about finding our why as a group.” His vision for a positive, collaborative environment is evident in the school’s thriving community, where teachers like Ms. Seaton and Mr. Salina—alongside Coach Fruster and Mr. Paxton, both alumni—embody the school’s core goal: “Serve each student, take care of our people.”
Abbeville County School District: Tradition Meets Innovation
Next, the roadshow took us to Abbeville County School District, led by the visionary superintendent, Dr. Lori Brownlee-Brewton. Visiting Abbeville High School and Dixie High School, I witnessed how a rural district can harness innovation and community partnerships to deliver exceptional educational experiences.
At Abbeville High School, Principals White and Newton showcased the school’s state-of-the-art library and academic wing, designed to cultivate creativity, collaboration, and lifelong learning. Over at Dixie High School, Principal Preston highlighted the school's cutting-edge academic and athletic facilities and its partnership with Erskine College, which offers students a head start on career degrees.
Throughout the visit, Dr. Brownlee-Brewton’s leadership shone through. As a third-generation educator and former Dixie High principal, her deep connection to the district was evident in the warmth and respect she received from students and staff alike. Her approach, rooted in both tradition and forward-thinking innovation, has not only improved academic outcomes but also built a supportive, family-like culture where everyone feels valued.
From rural settings to urban innovations, the 2024 IEI Roadshow is a testament to the power of intentional leadership and strong community ties. D.W. Daniel High and Abbeville County School District serve as shining examples of how visionary leadership, innovative programs, and community partnerships can transform education.
Stay tuned as we continue the IEI Roadshow, celebrating the incredible work happening across the country!