Greenville County Schools Announces Employees of the Year

Abby has been instrumental in Blue Ridge High’s distinction as the current top-performing high school in GCS, contributing to the historic academic gains with her exceptional instructional leadership and determination that all students experience great instruction. Abby brings a deep sense of purpose and determination to her work, inspiring those around her with her positivity and perspective. Her principal credits her with “completely restructuring the school’s instructional identity by overhauling all PLCs and through her leadership with collaborative planning and coaching.” Equally impactful is Abby’s influence on school culture and student engagement; she has fostered improved student behavior, elevated staff morale, and strengthened a sense of belonging across the school community.

Angie is the heart behind so much of what makes Sterling School special. In her role as Student Support Clerk, she does far more than her job requires—she sees people, she listens, and she shows up for families in ways that truly change lives. Angie has built a level of trust that makes families feel safe reaching out, knowing they will be met with compassion and care. She is the steady presence behind the scenes—handling countless details so others can do their work, stepping in wherever she’s needed, and always remaining calm, positive, and unshakably supportive. Whether she’s connecting a family to critical resources, mentoring a student, or simply offering encouragement to a colleague, Angie leads with a servant’s heart.

Nancy possesses the rare ability to translate complex, technical topics into clear, accessible language, ensuring that all stakeholders—from staff to parents—remain informed and engaged. Her leadership was instrumental in the successful transition from BoardDocs to the new Board of Trustees Portal Platform; by prioritizing transparency, she has fundamentally improved how our community accesses vital resources and district policies. Beyond her technical achievements, she serves as the district’s "guiding light" and a vital resource for the Superintendent and leadership team. Whether she is representing the district at the South Carolina School Boards Association or presenting to local community groups, she carries herself with a composure and ethical rigor that is truly inspiring.

Joyce is the picture of exceptional professionalism, ownership, and commitment to excellence. She consistently sets the standard in her role as Benefits Clerk through her attention to detail, strong work ethic, and proactive approach—ensuring tasks are completed accurately and on time while anticipating needs before they arise. Joyce approaches her work with empathy and grace, recognizing that many employees she supports are navigating significant life events, and she balances compassion with accountability to ensure processes move forward effectively. As the central hub of her department, she serves as an “air traffic controller,” skillfully managing, prioritizing, and routing requests with a clear understanding of urgency and compliance requirements. Her leadership was instrumental in implementing online retirement enrollment, improving efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.

Dawn is a transformational leader whose impact reaches far beyond the walls of her school. She has an extraordinary ability to unite staff around a clear and compelling vision, inspiring others to rise to high expectations because they know they are supported, valued, and seen. Through deep instructional expertise and an unwavering belief that all students can achieve, she has elevated academic outcomes for an entire school community while simultaneously building the instructional capacity of her team. Her leadership is marked by resilience, authenticity, and compassion—balancing firm structures with genuine care for people and consistently turning challenges into opportunities for growth. She has revitalized school culture, strengthened teacher retention, and fostered meaningful partnerships with families and community organizations, giving stakeholders a true voice in the life of the school.

Charlie exhibits unwavering dedication, loyalty, and hard work. As a model employee, he sets a high standard for professionalism and integrity, inspiring both staff and students alike. Charlie's exemplary conduct extends beyond the workplace. He has camped out on the roof, played “Elf on the Shelf,” and has been honored by the kids by dressing up like him for American Education Week. His patience, kindness, and willingness to go the extra mile make him an invaluable asset to their school and the community. He has involved everyone, including students, in making sure the school stays clean. He created the “Golden” broom and the “Golden” spoon awards to ensure the classrooms and cafeteria are kept clean, and they’re seen as the most coveted awards in the school.