Aiken Times

University of South Carolina-Aiken issued the following announcement on August 3.

Aiken, SC (08/03/2021) — Debbie R. Poole, a University of South Carolina Aiken (UofSC Aiken) alumna, was presented the 2021 Joseph M. Bedenbaugh Administrator of the Year Award by the Lexington One Educational Foundation on Tuesday, June 1, at the Lexington County School District One (Lexington District One) Board of Trustees meeting.

According to Lexington District One's website, "Established by the Foundation in 2005, this award recognizes an outstanding and deserving administrator in the district, while also honoring an esteemed administrator from the original Lexington School District One staff of 1952, the late Mr. Joseph M. Bedenbaugh."

Debbie is a 1989 graduate of UofSC Aiken, where she received her bachelor's degree in early childhood education and teaching. She has two master's degrees from the University of South Carolina: a master's in early childhood education and teaching and a master's in educational leadership and administration.

She began her teaching career in 1989 at Monetta Elementary, located in Aiken County. She joined Lexington District One in 2001 as a teacher at Oak Grove Elementary. She currently serves as the principal of Pelion Elementary School (PES) and has exhibited an outstanding commitment to excellence in education in Lexington District One for nearly twenty years.

"Individuals described her as a principal who: sincerely loves the students and learning; demonstrates patience and kindness; genuinely cares for teachers, staff, and students; balances personal fun and her serious side at work; meets the emotional and physical needs of her students; and is a great listener who is committed to educating students with a strategic vision in place," according to the Lexington District One website.

Debbie is also a leader in the community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she led a food drive to support her school families in need and personally delivered food to PES students' homes. She was also instrumental in securing a therapy dog, Ren, to support PES students.

Dr. Judy Beck, dean of the School of Education at UofSC Aiken, commented on Debbie's success. "Debbie embodies the characteristics we encourage our teacher candidates to develop throughout our teacher education programs: care, respect, and balance."

Debbie and her husband, Larry, a 1989 UofSC Aiken graduate, have two daughters.

Original source can be found here.