Lexington Richland District Five schools held their annual school year kick-off on Friday, August 11 at Irmo High School.
All the district schools were represented along with their teachers and staff and awards were presented for 2023-24 Employee of the Year, Elizabeth Balog of Harbison West Elementary; District Teacher of the Year, Grace Abbott from Chapin High School; District Honor Roll Support Employees, Clare Steele from Lake Murray Elementary and Tiffany Ulmer from Academy for Success; and the Honor Roll Teachers, Cari Bonhomme of Chapin Middle School and Sandra Markowitz from Chapin Intermediate.
The Chapin High School Color Guard put on a special performance.
Irmo High School JROTC presented the colors and the National Anthem was played bu the District High School Trumpet Ensemble under the direction of Dutch Fork High School Director of Bands, Jeremy Ley. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by LJ Bonavilla from Spring Hill High School.
Rebecca Blackburn Hines, School Board of Trustees Chair, and Lynn Collins, Executive Director of the District 5 Foundation, gave opening remarks.
Superintendent Dr. Akil E. Ross, Sr., presented ’The Growing Season’, this year’s theme for the school district.
