Two school leaders from Richland Two selected for statewide awards

• By: admin
• On: 11/28/2023 11:41:07
• In: Latest News
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Columbia, SC — The South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA) has named two school leaders from Richland School District Two as the 2024 South Carolina Middle Level Principal of the Year and the 2024 South Carolina Elementary Principal of the Year. Karis Mazyck, principal of Blythewood Middle School is the 2024 South Carolina Middle Level Principal of the Year, and Dr. Sabina Mosso-Taylor, principal of Jackson Creek Elementary School, is the 2024 SC Elementary Principal of the Year.

The other finalists for 2024 SC Middle Level Principal of the Year were Karen Bullard, principal of Blue Ridge Middle School in the Greenville County School District and Erin Doty, principal of Crossroads Intermediate School in Lexington-Richland School District 5.

“We are pleased to announce that Karis Mazyck has been named the SCASA Middle Level Principal of the Year," said Beth Phibbs, Executive Director of the South Carolina Association of School Administrators. “She is an exceptional instructional leader who consistently models high expectations for academic rigor and ensures that teaches have the resources and professional development opportunities necessary to deliver quality instruction. Ms. Mazyck has created a nurturing environment at Blythewood Middle Schools where the students, teachers, staff, and community members feel valued and supported.”



“Karis Mazyck has created an inclusive school environment where her students and staff feel supported and valued. She has successfully kept Blythewood Middle School on the National School to Watch list since 2014, earning redesignations three times during her tenure as principal. In 2019, Ms. Mazyck was a finalist for the state Principal of the Year Award. Her persistence to achieve her personal best while creating ways for students and staff to do the same is why she is the 2024 South Carolina Middle Level Principal of the Year,” said Richland District Two Superintendent Dr. Kim Moore.

The other finalists for 2024 SC Elementary Principal of the Year were Chad Allen, principal of Pleasant Knoll Elementary in York School District Four and Dawn Hooker, principal of East North Street Academy in the Greenville County School District.

Beth Phibbs, Executive Director of the South Carolina Association of School Administrators, continued, “We are excited to announce that Dr. Sabina Mosso-Taylor has been named the SCASA Elementary Principal of the Year. She is a visionary leader who has a deep respect for each child's unique abilities and who recognized the value that a Montessori education provides to individual students. Dr. Mosso-Taylor's leadership has made a profound impact on the Jackson Creek Elementary School community.”



Richland District Two Superintendent, Dr. Kim Moore, added, “For the first time in Richland Two history, we have back-to-back state Elementary School Principals of the Year. Dr. Kendra Hill at Bookman Road Elementary won it for 2023, and now Dr. Mosso-Taylor is the 2024 South Carolina Elementary Principal of the Year. A strong advocate for equity in education, Dr. Mosso-Taylor consistently creates and sustains culturally relevant practices in her school for all students to achieve academic success. Additionally, throughout her career, she has committed herself to ensuring students with special needs receive the support they need to excel. These awards recognize the collaborative work occurring with parents, students, staff, partners, and their school communities to get students future ready. This exemplifies why every family should make Richland School District Two their first choice because we are the best choice.” 

Both Ms. Mazyck and Dr. Mosso-Taylor were selected from outstanding fields of administrator candidates by a veteran panel of judges. The criteria used in the selection of both awards are set by the National Association of Secondary School Principals and the National Association of Elementary School Principals respectively. The state sponsors are Horace Mann and Herff Jones.

SCASA, the professional organization for school leaders in South Carolina, has more than 5,300 members. From professional development opportunities and research to publications and legislative advocacy, SCASA's focus is to support school leaders in providing the best possible education for South Carolina's young people. As a state affiliate of three national associations for school leaders, SCASA also works on the national level.