Florence School District 3 rolled out the red carpet last Friday as educators and staff gathered at Lake City High School’s gym for the annual STARS Gala, an evening dedicated to celebrating the people who make a difference in students’ lives every day.
The gala highlights outstanding teachers and staff from across the district. Following a dinner prepared by the FSD3 Food Service Department and served by culinary arts students, honorees from each school and department were recognized for their dedication, leadership, and impact.
2026–2027 Teachers of the Year
- Lake City Early Childhood Center: Stacey Gambrell
- Main Street Elementary: Shannon Franklin
- J. C. Lynch Elementary: Rachel Steele
- Olanta Creative Arts and Science Magnet School: Crystal Godfrey
- Scranton Elementary STEAM Academy: Heidi Matthews
- Dr. Ronald E. McNair School of Digital Communications & Leadership: Dorrell Benjamin
- J. Paul Truluck Creative Arts and Science Magnet School: Gwendolyn Horton
- Lake City Early College High School: Anthony Wilson
2026–2027 Support Staff of the Year
- Lake City Early Childhood Center: Lizzie Barr
- Main Street Elementary: Latosha Bacote
- J. C. Lynch Elementary: Alishia Wiles
- Olanta Creative Arts and Science Magnet School: Alma Stubbs
- Scranton Elementary STEAM Academy: Sharon Beard
- Dr. Ronald E. McNair School of Digital Communications & Leadership: Jammie Burgess
- J. Paul Truluck Creative Arts and Science Magnet School: Loyce Brownlee
- Lake City Early College High School: Seneca Barron
2026-2027 Clerical Staff of the Year Nominations
- Erica Hair
- Tracy Hannah
- Brandi Papel
2026-2027 Custodial/Maintenance Staff of the Year Nominations
- Jammie Burgess
- Deloris Frierson
- Gerome Singletary
2026-2027 Food Service Staff of the Year Nominations
- Angela Dyson
- Penny Fleming
- Charlotte Wilson
2026-2027 Health Services Staff of the Year Nominations
- Amanda Hanna
- Rhonda Matthews
- Eliza Miles
2026-2027 Instructional Support Staff of the Year Nominations
- Sharon Beard
- Loyce Brownlee
- Aquilla Graham
2026-2027 Student Support Staff of the Year Nominations
- Matthew Apicella
- Christy Flowers
- Jerry State
2026-2027 Transportation Staff of the Year Nominations
- Carolyn Graham
- Andrea Henneghan
- Kristie Velazquez
2026-2027 Rookie Support Staff of the Year Nominations
- Tyeisha Graham
- Zauria Isaiah
- Alishia Wiles
2026-2027 Rookie Teacher of the Year Nominations
- Cathryn Ackerman
- Carine Brown
- Jarren Manning
2026-2027 Rookie Support Staff of the Year Nominations
- Benjamin Epps
- Keenan Graham
- Abbigail Webster
2026-2027 International Teacher of the Year Nominations
- Raymond Escudero
- Bobette Walker
- Kereka Williams
2026-2027 Assistant Principal of the Year Nominations
- Carolina Doughty
- Ashley Dress
- Tressia Moorehead Gibbs
2026-2027 Principal of the Year Nominations
- Steven Barr
- Thomas “TJ” Devine
- Charm Eaddy
2026-2027 District Level Administrator of the Year Nominations
- Ned Blake
- Mary Howard
- Angelia Scott
From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to front offices, the STARS Gala serves as a reminder that every role in FSD3 contributes to student success.
Congratulations to all honorees and nominees for their hard work, commitment and continued dedication to the students and families of FSD3.