On August 6, our D7 faculty and staff packed the Viking Arena with energy and excitement as we kicked off the 2025–2026 school year in true District 7 style!
From a vibrant flag processional to honoring our incredible iReady Champions, Support Staff of the Year, Crystal Apple Award winners, and Teachers of the Year — it was a celebration like no other.
We also unveiled this year’s inspiring theme: 7 SHINES ✨ More than just a theme, 7 SHINES reflects the light within every student and the power we have when we shine together. It’s a symbol of hope, growth, and possibility — reminding us that every student has unique gifts and purpose that deserve to be seen, nurtured, and celebrated. In D7, our teachers, staff, and leaders are lighting the way for every child’s success.
One of the morning’s brightest moments was the announcement of our 2025 District Teacher of the Year — Alicia Fulmer, a kindergarten teacher at Pine Street Elementary! Described as calm, focused, and overflowing with compassion, Ms. Fulmer truly represents the heart of D7. Congratulations!
We also proudly celebrated each of our 2025 Teachers of the Year from every school — a group of passionate, dedicated educators making a difference every day.
✨ Crystal Apple Awards were presented to our amazing first-year teachers, with a special shoutout to Naomi Bynum of Drayton Mills, our district-level winner!
👏 And hats off to our 2025 Support Staff Members of the Year, who keep our schools running smoothly and make a lasting impact behind the scenes.
We can’t wait to welcome our students back on Monday — the energy is high, the passion is real, and our commitment to helping every child shine has never been stronger.
Spotlight on Excellence: 2025 Teachers of the Year!
Each year, we celebrate the teachers who go above and beyond to inspire, uplift, and ignite a love of learning in every child. These educators embody what it means to shine—and their dedication makes all the difference.
Our 2025 Teachers of the Year:
🔹 Brandi Phillips – Jesse Boyd Elementary
🔹 Tristan Hunt – Cleveland Academy
🔹 Brent Hawkins – Drayton Mills Elementary
🔹 Kenesha Hardy – E.P. Todd School
🔹 Jaron Sanders – Mary H. Wright Elementary
🔹 Alicia Fulmer – Pine Street Elementary
🔹 Reginald Brown – Carver Middle
🔹 Denita Benson – McCracken Middle
🔹 Jeremy Pruett – Spartanburg High School
🔹 Koren Anderson – Whitlock Flexible Learning Center
🔹 Jessica Alvarado – McCarthy Teszler School
Congratulations to Alicia Fulmer, 2nd grade teacher at Pine Street Elementary, and our 2025 District Teacher of the Year!
Alicia’s calm presence, creativity, and deep care for her students make her a shining example of what it means to teach with heart. We’re so proud to celebrate her incredible impact! 💛
The Crystal Apple Awards recognize our outstanding first-year teachers who are already making a meaningful impact in the classroom. Their energy, passion, and heart are helping students believe in themselves from the very first day.
Join us in celebrating these incredible new educators:
🔹 Bethany Clary – Jesse Boyd Elementary
🔹 Madison Cash – Cleveland Academy
🔹 Naomi Bynum – Drayton Mills Elementary
🔹 Marina Robichau – E.P. Todd School
🔹 Sofia Villegas – Mary H. Wright Elementary
🔹 Bobby James – Carver Middle
🔹 Connor Bridges – McCracken Middle
🔹 Abbey Pruitt – Spartanburg High School
🔹 Shelby McCutchen – McCarthy Teszler School
Shoutout to Naomi Bynum, kindergarten teacher at Drayton Mills Elementary, and our 2025 District Crystal Apple Award Winner!
Naomi’s passion and joy for teaching have made her first year one to remember — and her students are shining because of it. We can’t wait to see what’s ahead!
Celebrating the Heart of Our Schools: 2025 Support Staff of the Year!
Our schools shine because of the incredible people behind the scenes — those who care deeply, work tirelessly, and help create safe, supportive spaces for learning and growth.
We are proud to honor our 2025 Support Staff Members of the Year:
🔹 Tashawnda Anderson – Jesse Boyd Elementary
🔹 Kathleen Jolly – Cleveland Academy
🔹 Lisette Tufino – Drayton Mills Elementary
🔹 Tyann Jackson – E.P. Todd School
🔹 Shanita Thomas – Mary H. Wright Elementary
🔹 Jordan Burkett – Pine Street Elementary
🔹 Chase Tinsley – Carver Middle
🔹 Celia Cooksey – McCracken Middle
🔹 Michael Frech – Spartanburg High School
🔹 Kendra Ballenger – Whitlock Flexible Learning Center
🔹 Heidi Moss & Markena Wilson – McCarthy Teszler School
🔹 Jamal Abdul-Malik, Donna McDowell, Larry Monday – Transportation
🔹 Quincy Ballenger – DSOC
🔹 Michelle Mack – District Office
👏 These team members are the glue that holds our schools together — and we’re so grateful for everything they do to help D7 shine.
Even the mascots couldn’t resist the energy this morning! Superintendent Stevens was joined by some of our favorite school spirit leaders during the processional — and yes, they brought the fun AND the shine!
