MISSION ACCEPTED!
The mission is clear. The team is assembled. And District 7 is ready for an incredible 2026–2027 school year.
On August 3, Viking Arena was filled with energy, excitement, and purpose as we officially welcomed back our faculty and staff. Although we gathered to celebrate the incredible educators and staff members who make District 7 extraordinary, students were at the heart of the morning. Student representatives from every school joined our Parade of Schools, while The Corporation show choir, the Spartanburg High School Drumline, our cheerleaders, and the JROTC Color Guard reminded us of the purpose behind our work. They are why we accept the mission each day — to inspire and equip every student to succeed.
We also unveiled this year's theme: Mission Accepted.
Mission Accepted is more than a slogan—it's a commitment. Every member of Team 7 has accepted the mission to inspire and equip every student for success. Together, we'll meet challenges with courage, build meaningful relationships, celebrate growth, and create opportunities that help every child reach their fullest potential.
One of the morning's biggest celebrations was the announcement of Marissa Drake, a second-grade teacher at Jesse Boyd Elementary, as the 2026 District Teacher of the Year! Marissa creates a classroom where curiosity is encouraged, confidence takes root, and every child knows they belong. Her joyful spirit and unwavering dedication to her students make her an exceptional educator and a wonderful choice for District Teacher of the Year.
We also proudly recognized our Teachers of the Year from every school.
Every day, District 7 educators accept the mission of inspiring, challenging, and empowering students to reach their fullest potential. Today, we were so proud to recognize the outstanding teachers who exemplify excellence in the classroom and make a lasting difference in the lives of their students.
Please help us congratulate our 2026 Teachers of the Year:
Marissa Drake – Jesse Boyd Elementary
Victoria Brewton – Cleveland Academy of Leadership
Ann Caudle – Drayton Mills Elementary
Taryn Schorr – E.P. Todd School
Jennifer Miller – Mary H. Wright Elementary
Anna Hodge – Pine Street Elementary
Amy Abel – Carver Middle School
Connor Bridges – McCracken Middle School
Bevin Seay – Spartanburg High School
Cheye Hammond – Whitlock Flexible Learning Center
Serena Bristol – McCarthy Teszler School
We honored our Crystal Apple Award recipients, recognizing outstanding first-year teachers, along with special congratulations to District winner Emma Horner of E.P. Todd School.
Keana Beason – Cleveland Academy of Leadership
Sierra Bishop – Drayton Mills Elementary
Emma Horner – E.P. Todd School
Cayla Gregory Leatherwood – Mary H. Wright Elementary
Daniel McCutcheon – Pine Street Elementary
Alexia Bailey – Carver Middle School
Jason Caudle – McCracken Middle School
Emily Kessler – Spartanburg High School
Gaurav Bohara – Whitlock Flexible Learning Center
Courtney Hall – McCarthy Teszler School
Congratulations to Emma Horner, Primary Montessori teacher at E.P. Todd School, and our 2026 District Crystal Apple Award Winner! 🍎
In her very first year, Emma has embraced the mission of nurturing confident, curious learners. Her thoughtful approach, compassionate heart, and dedication to helping every child grow have already made a lasting impact at E.P. Todd.
Every successful mission depends on an outstanding team, and today we proudly recognized the people whose dedication, service, and hard work make District 7 stronger every day.
Congratulations to our 2026 Support Staff Members of the Year:
Deon Miller — Jesse Boyd Elementary
Danniell Williams — Cleveland Academy of Leadership
Tyler Jenkins — Drayton Mills Elementary
Treva Ledford — E.P. Todd School
Mary Lou Vann — Mary H. Wright Elementary
Bill Lukaswitz — Pine Street Elementary
Jeff Smith — Carver Middle School
Christy Thompson — McCracken Middle School
Joey Sams — Spartanburg High School
Brenda Lindsey — Whitlock Flexible Learning Center
Karen Miller, Patricia Uribe & Henry Villanueva — McCarthy Teszler School
Matthew Banish, Donna Elmore & Ricky Talley — Transportation
Mike Tolleson — District Support Operations Center (DSOC)
Pam Sims — District Office
Thank you for accepting the mission and making a difference for our students, staff, and families every single day.
One of the highlights of Opening Convocation was recognizing our 2025–2026 i-Ready Champion Teachers—educators whose students demonstrated the greatest academic growth in reading and mathematics over the past school year.
These teachers helped students achieve exceptional growth, often exceeding a full year's expected progress. Their dedication is helping students close learning gaps, reach grade-level expectations, and build a strong foundation for future success.
Congratulations to our 2025–2026 i-Ready Champions:
Cleveland Academy of Leadership
Math: Victoria Brewton
Reading: Maleeah Parker
Drayton Mills Elementary
Math: Abby Guy
Reading: Tiffany Bell and Rosemary Foux
E.P. Todd School
Math: Britney Smith
Reading: Margaret Lee
Jesse Boyd Elementary
Math: Christina McRoberts and Laura Poole
Reading: Jessica Gault
Mary H. Wright Elementary
Math: Chastney Rosemond
Reading: Sophia Villegas
Pine Street Elementary
Math: Susan Hoffman and Holly Lawson
Reading: Suzette Laney
Carver Middle School
Math: James Byers
Reading: Rhett DeMark
McCracken Middle School
Math: Marteis Harris
Reading: Ashton Thompson
Congratulations to these outstanding educators! Thank you for your commitment to helping every student grow, achieve, and thrive. Your impact is making a difference across District 7.
This is why we accept the mission.
Surrounded by the students who inspire our work every day, we are reminded of the purpose behind everything we do.
Mission Accepted is our commitment to inspire and equip every student, every day. Together, we're preparing learners for bright futures and creating opportunities for every child to thrive.