There were a few misty eyes in the room when Berkeley County School District celebrated its 2023 recipients of the Turnaround Achievement Award.
This is a long-running program in the district – and one that often presents happy tears from parents and teachers as they cheer on students who have had a rocky road to success.
The award honors students who have previously experienced challenges and hardships – both at home and at school – but made the decision to literally “turn it around” for themselves and make sure they are on the right track to get a high school diploma. These students are now excelling in their classes, both academically and behavior-wise.
Students were joined by their families, principals and a few close teachers on Thursday when everyone gathered in Westview Middle’s multipurpose room to honor these students for changing their lives for the better. The students were honored with plaques and gift bags presented by Dr. Marion Baird, Executive Director of Elementary Schools, and distributed by Superintendent Dr. Anthony Dixon during a luncheon provided by the district’s Child Nutrition Services.
Congratulations to the following students:
Goose Creek Elementary – Jessica Robey
Marrington Elementary – Brandon Araya
Nexton Elementary – Joel Portillo
Sangaree Intermediate – Braxton Glines
Westview Elementary – Mya Coad
Whitesville Elementary – Cayden White
Berkeley Middle – Marquez Bradley
Berkeley Middle – Hunter Lamm
Cane Bay Middle – Arianna Larsen
College Park Middle – Jordan Camel
Daniel Island School – Walter Jenkins
Hanahan Middle – Abrianna Gillum
Macedonia Middle – Gavin McNown
Marrington Middle – Je’Hiel Howe
Philip Simmons Middle – Preston Norris
Sangaree Middle – Seline Garcia Hernandez
St. Stephen Middle – Devin Wrighten
Sedgefield Middle – Jose Arrieta-Andrade
Westview Middle – Zachary Jimenez
Berkeley High – Quanell Offley
Berkeley High – Armani Alston
Cross High – Da’Lanron Huger
Goose Creek – High Jordan Turner
Philip Simmons High – Dae’Shawn Moore
Stratford High – Marshall McGee
Stratford High – Andrew Palmer