2020 NIET School of Promise Award: Mellichamp Elementary School, Orangeburg, South Carolina

NIET CEO Dr. Candice McQueen surprises Mellichamp Elementary School in Orangeburg, South Carolina, with a $5,000 School of Promise Award. The announcement was made during a virtual celebration with the school and district leaders.

"Mellichamp's community is inspiring and shows us what is possible when educators collaborate and deepen their focus on high-quality instruction," Dr. McQueen said. "Mellichamp's leaders and educators have built their capacity around engaging teaching practices, and we look forward to continuing to work alongside them to take their work to the next level."

NIET CEO Dr. Candice McQueen, bottom left, announces Mellichamp Elementary as a recipient of a 2020 School of Promise Award before district and school leaders. Also pictured clockwise are NIET Executive Director of Professional Development Dr. Ann Shaw, Orangeburg County School District Board Chairman Vernon Stephens, and Orangeburg County School District Superintendent Dr. Shawn Foster and district leaders.

Orangeburg County School District and Mellichamp Elementary leaders react enthusiastically to receiving the 2020 School of Promise Award, which comes with a cash prize of $5,000. A highlight of the celebration was recognizing the leadership and partnership of former Mellichamp Principal Hayward Jean -- who now serves as the director of student services at the district -- and current Mellichamp Principal Dr. Elrica C. Glover. Glover served as assistant principal before assuming the principalship this year.

"I can't be more appreciative of this award," said Dr. Glover, who guides staff and students under a motto of "All in, all win." "We know teachers truly make the difference in the classroom. We feel good that our work is being validated, and we will continue work to go to even higher." 

Leaders and staff at the Orangeburg County School District, led by Superintendent Dr. Shawn Foster (left, foreground), celebrate Mellichamp Eleementary's 2020 School of Promise Award.

From 2018 to 2019, Mellichamp increased its percentage of students meeting or exceeding expectations on state assessments in English language arts, math, and science – and jumped 27.4 percentage points in social studies. Additionally, between the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school year, Mellichamp retained all of its teachers – another mark of the positive culture established at the school.

"Mellichamp provides a model of excellence not only within the Orangeburg and surrounding communities, but also throughout the nation," Dr. Foster commented. "High expectations, inspirational leadership and a collaborative spirit are the cornerstones of school transformations and are certainly evident in that school."

Mellichamp Elementary's NIET School of Promise Award has special meaning for Hayward Jean, director of student services for the Orangeburg County School District. As former principal of the school, he contributed to its achievement growth. Principal Dr. Elrica C. Glover, former assistant principal, is continuing that commitment.

"NIET helped us build a culture of reflection, strength-based teaching, collaboration, student engagement, and student ownership," said Jean. "The opportunity to walk with NIET specialists in and out of classrooms and to discuss the areas of refinement and reinforcement has been empowering."

NIET CEO Dr. Candice McQueen (far left) and NIET Senior Vice President of Services Vicky Condalary (center) visit with Mellichamp Elementary School students. The school received a 2020 NIET School of Promise Award, which comes with a $5,000 cash prize.

Photo from February 2019

Inside the classrooms of Mellichamp Elementary School, Orangeburg, South Carolina

Inside the classrooms of Mellichamp Elementary School, Orangeburg, South Carolina