Educator Hall of Fame

Mrs. Linda Bundrick Brown’s motto is you must let kids know you love them to be able to teach them. Known to many as “Ma Brown”, she has been an educator for 53-years, spending 43 of those years in Lexington District Two.

Mrs. Brown officially retired from Lexington Two in 2010 but returned to Brookland Cayce as an assistant principal the same year. She spent most of her time at Brookland Cayce serving as an English teacher, guidance counselor, coach, Dean of Girls, senior class advisor, and attendance interventionist. She is currently an assistant principal at Brookland Cayce High School.

Mrs. Lynn Summer is a Brookland Cayce Bearcat through and through. Known to many as the “BC Diva”, she graduated from Brookland Cayce High School in 1975 and was an educator their from 1996 until her retirement in 2019.

She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Health, Physical Education / Recreation / Dance with a Biology minor from Lander University in 1980, all while starting her career in education by substitute teaching, beginning in 1978. Holding a plethora of roles throughout her teaching career, you could always find her reaching out to students to tell them, “You are unique and valuable; therefore, you must act unique and valuable” - a mantra that translated over generations of Bearcat students.

Mrs. Summer was born and raised in Cayce, SC, where she currently resides with her husband of 42-years, Randy Summer, and is the proud mother of three boys, Kert, Jared and Heath.

Mrs. Martha Herchak was an educator in the South Carolina school system for 23 years. All of those years were spent in the halls of Brookland Cayce High School teach subjects such as U.S. History, World History and Psychology. She was also a cherished tennis coach for nearly 10 years.

Students found her caring nature and dedication to their success to be an invaluable asset in the classroom. Mrs. Herchak remains strong in her education roots even after her retirement in 2015 as an Education Coordinator at SCDC Level 1 & 2 men's prisons. She currently resides in Charleston, SC.

Deputy Stirewalt, also known as Dep to his beloved students, was much more than a School Resource Officer at Brookland Cayce High School. He was an educator, friend and role model to many. The first SRO in the state of South Carolina, he served BCHS for 14 years, also as a Junior Varsity football coach.

School safety was always his number one priority and he easily earned the respect of students, faculty and staff during his career. Deputy Stirewalt retired from law enforcement on July 4th, 2015 after 34 years of service in Lexington county and currently resides in Gilbert, SC.

Barbara Jeter Jeffcoat joined the Brookland Cayce High School family in 1973 as an energetic special needs resource teacher. Two years later she brought that same energy to the Guidance Department where she would serve as both a counselor and Director until her retirement in 2002.

For many years, Mrs. Jeffcoat has been a valuable member of the Cayce / West Columbia community and has quietly, but powerfully, helped to mold and create Brookland Cayce High School's tradition of excellence.

Her main philosophy as an educator was to keep her students in the forefront of her work. Mrs. Jeffcoat currently resides in West Columbia, SC and continues to serve as a long-time member of the Brookland Cayce High School Education Foundation.

Dr. Alexandra (Sandy) Dickerson's teaching career spans over four decades, specifically in the subject of English at Brookland Cayce High School from 1977 - 1999 and again 2001 - 2006. She spent 19 of those years at BCHS as the Student Council sponsor.

Her career began as a part-time secretary at the Department of Education in Los Angeles, CA and she also taught courses at Coastal Carolina and the university of South Carolina. She received a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of of California at Los Angeles in 1966, and a M. ed. in teaching of English 1981 and a Ph. D. in Philosophy 1996 from the University of South Carolina. Dr. Dickerson currently resides in West Columbia, SC where she has been enjoying retirement since 2006.

Dr. Ingrid Moore Watson retired in 2009 after 34 years of educational service. Dr. Watson was a teacher at Brookland Cayce High School from 1975 - 1977, 1979 - 1990, and was the Assistant Principal from 1990 - 1998.

She was also a State Specialist at Kentucky State University from 1998 - 1999, Assistant Vice Principal at Irmo Middle School, from 1999 - 2001, Assistant Principal at Airport High School from 2001 - 2004, and both a Coordinator and Director of Title I and Academic Assistance from 2004 - 2009.

She graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor Degree in History from the University of South Carolina in 1975, retained a M. ed. in Reading Education 1977, and a Ph. D. in Education Administration 2005 from home of the Gamecocks as well.

Abbott (Abby) Laroy Bray, Jr. grew up in Cayce - West Columbia and graduated from Brookland Cayce High School in 1975. He began teaching at BCHS in 1991. He taught social studies, weight lifting and teacher cadets, and coached football and girls basketball.

Abby was honored by his fellow teachers when he was voted 2001 - 2002 Teacher of the Year. In 2008, Coach Bray became Athletic Director and head football coach. After three years Abby returned to the classroom to teach the subject he loved, social studies. In 2012, Abby was elected to the West Columbia City Council. Having directed the annual Battle of the Classes at Brookland Cayce since its inception, the event was named for his after his death in 2013.

Abby was a friend to many, a mentor to students he taught and coached, and passionate about the community where he lived.

Dr. Carolyn Fisher-Mercer began her teaching career at Brookland Cayce High School in 1985. She taught all levels of Chemistry and was the department head for the science department until her retirement in 2012.

Dr. Fisher-Mercer introduced her students to science organizations and clubs in order for them to see how important science is in their community. Former students of Dr. Fisher-Mercer credit her with their success as science teachers, science professionals, and medical professionals. The teaching awards and recognitions she received include the Faculty Service Award in 1999, Teacher of the Year in 1997. She received the Midlands Tech Adjunct of the Year Award in 1998. Also instrumental in the area of research to find treatment of those affected by diabetes, Dr. Fisher-Mercer lives in St. Andrews.

Dr. Barbara Nickel began teaching at Brookland Cayce High School in 1981. She taught in the area of special education teaching emotionally disabled students.

Dr. Nickel guided her students to gain the skills that would allow them to survive on their own in the world. She worked with her students in a manner her experience and training told her was the best way to help them learn their academics and how to deal with emotional problems to become successful members of their community.

The awards and recognitions received by Barbara include the South Carolina Special Education Teacher of the year in 1992 and South Carolina Youth Worker of the Year in 1993. A member of the South Carolina Federation Council for Exceptional Children for over 30 years, Dr. Nickel served as President of the organization in 1986.

Jane Gregory began teaching at Brookland Cayce High School in 1973. She spent her teaching career, 34+ years, teaching mathematics at BCHS. Mrs. Gregory sponsored the Math Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta from 1983 - 2003.

The teaching awards and recognition she received include the Faculty Service Award in 1984, Presidential Scholar in 1985, Teacher of the Year 1996-97, and Time Warner Cable Star Teacher of the Year in 2003.

Robert (Bob) Montgomery began his career at Brookland Cayce High School in 1968. He taught sociology, coached track, and was assistant football coach under coach Bettis Herlong. A few years later he became head coach and Athletic Director, and coached the Bearcat football team to a regional title in 1971.

He continues to have the most victories of any football coach in Brookland Cayce history. In addition to coaching and teaching at BCHS, coach Montgomery served on the Lexington Two School District Board of Trustees for 12 years. Coach Montgomery now resides in Newberry, SC.

W. Richard Lundy was born and raised in Union Point, GA. In 1972, he and his family moved to the Cayce-West Columbia area.

Richard began teaching at Brookland Cayce High School in 1975, and spent 37 years teaching carpentry and coaching softball, basketball, and football at BCHS. Coach Lundy led the girls softball teams to four state championships. Well respected by colleagues and students, Coach Lundy helped his students excel inside and outside the classroom.

Grayson Team Wright-Sarvis grew up in the Cayce-West Columbia community, and graduated from Brookland Cayce High School in 1974. In 1988, she returned to her alma mater and taught Chorus, Piano, AP Music Theory, and Teacher Cadets. The Choral ensembles and students she directed in numerous musical productions won many awards and honors.

Retiring from BCHS in 2007, Mrs. Wright-Sarvis is currently Assistant Director of the Lexington County Choral Society, owner of Sarvis Music Studios, and accompanist for River Bluff High School Choirs.

Julia Jackson Davis grew up in Orangeburg, SC and graduated from Orangeburg High School. She graduated cum laude from Winthrop College in 1969 with a B.A. in Mathematics and Home Economics and earned a M.S. degree in Statistics and Algebra from Clemson University in 1971.

Julia began her teaching career in 1969 and taught at Brookland Cayce high School from 1984 - 2009. Classes taught at BCHS included Algebra, Exit Exam Math, SAT Math, and AP Calculus. She currently teaches Elementary and Intermediate Algebra a Midlands Tech, and also tutors students from middle school mathematics to college calculus.

Mrs. Davis has received many honors and recognitions including most recently Midlands Technical College's Mathematics Adjunct Teacher of the Year in 2010.

Martha Parrish Park was born in Dublin, Georgia. After graduating from Statesboro High School, she attended Georgia Teachers College where she received Bachelor's in English in 1960. In 1978 she furthered her education receiving a M.A.T. in English from the University of South Carolina.

Mrs. Park began her teaching career at Eaue Claire High School in Columbia, SC. In 1964 she cam to Brookland Cayce High School, where she taught 10th grade English, as well as classes in vocabulary, Mythology, Speech, Exit Exam, and SAT Preparation until her retirement in 1992.

Robert (Robbie) Edward Stevens graduated from Eau Claire High School in 1969 where he played football, was the basketball team manager, and other social clubs. He even drove a school bus! Robbie attended Newberry College and graduated n 1974 with an A.B. in Political Science as well as a minor in Math.

Robbie began his career in Charleston County and then Greenville county before ending up in Columbia at Keenan High School in 1980 and Airport High School in 1986. During these stops he taught math and social studies, but also fulfilled his dream as he coached JV football and basketball as well as varsity golf and baseball.

Robbie first arrived at Brookland Cayce High School in 1995 as an Assistance Principal but returned to the classroom in 1998 where he taught social studies, U.S. history, math tech and geometry. On the sports field he coached JV football and organized "powder puff" football, operated the clock for varsity football ad basketball games and assisted girls golf. Robbie spent 12 years at BCHS and loved being part of the faculty.

Mrs. Donna Wiles graduated Cameron High School as the valedictorian of her class, as she excelled academically. Donna continued her education by attending Winthrop University where she received her B.A. in English and a minor in Math in just three years. After briefly teaching in Virginia, she returned home and earned a M.A.T from the University of South Carolina.

While at Brookland Cayce High School, Donna taught multiple mathematics courses including Algebra, Calculus and SAT Prep. As testament to her leadership and organization skills, Donna was named Head of the Mathematics Department, where she served from 1990 - 2001.

Throughout her tenure Donna inspired numerous students, some of whom credit her for changing their lives, and many that simply appreciate she challenged them and spent extra hours tutoring them. She truly possessed the confidence of both her students and peers.

After graduating from Orangeburg High School where he served as student body officer, was selected to attend Palmetto Boys State and lettered three years in Basketball, Mr. Barry Bolen would graduate from Newberry College with a B.A. in History. He later returned to school to earn an Education Specialists and a Masters in Education Administration.

Barry then taught social studies and coached basketball for several years before entering the administration field where he would ultimately make his mark at the high school and district levels. Barry served as Principal at Brookland Cayce High School from 1990 - 1998. Two weeks prior to his start as Principal, a fire destroyed the south wing of BCHS. If the pressure of running a new school were not enough, he was also faced with the reconstruction and bolstering the sprit of the student body, faculty and staff.

During his tenure as Principal, both the baseball and softball teams won State Championships on the same day, and he delighted in seeing the young men and women receiving their medals. Students all loved and appreciated his easy going and friendly manner.

After graduating from Columbia High School, Miss Matthews earned her B.A. in Education from the University of South Carolina in 1937 and later a Master of Arts in English again from USC in 1946. While in college she was an active member in the Hypation Library Society and served as Vice President of the Sigma Kappa sorority.

Immediately after receiving her undergraduate degree, Miss Matthews began her education career in Georgia, then a stint at West Grant High School before she moved to Brookland Cayce High School in 1942 where she would remain until retiring in 1977. From beginning to end, she taught English Grammar and Literature and inspired numerous students just as she had done for her six siblings as a young girl / woman.

After high school, Beverly attended Clemson University where she earned a B.A. in English. While at Clemson she also earned departmental honors and was the recipient of the 1970 English Honors Key. A year later she cemented her teaching qualification with a Masters in Education from Emory University in 1971.

Beverly began her teaching career at Booker T. Washington, where she naturally taught English before coming the Brookland Cayce High School in 1974. After two decades of teaching English at BCHS, Beverly ended her formal career at Airport High School teaching her last English class in 2000. While at BCHS, Beverly proved herself as one of the school's finest teachers and a true academic. She taught not only the highest levels of academic instruction but also actively assisted students who struggled in the classroom. She even took the BCHS debate team to a state title. Beverly's "teacher soul" continued to blossom after retirement. In 2002, she wrote the ELS Standards and served as a Literacy Consultant for the Writing Improvement Network.

Cindy attended Bluefield State College graduating in 1969, then earned a Masters in Education from the University of West Virginia and an additional Masters degree in Advanced Education from the University of South Carolina.

Cindy began and ended her teaching / coaching career at Brookland Cayce High School. In the process she taught a variety of classes including P.E., English, Gymnastics, and Athletic Weight Lifting. Apart from the classroom Cindy was instrumental in starting the Faculty Council which is still an important means of communication between faculty and administration. She also coached cheerleading, gymnastics, bowling, track, volleyball and softball.

Cindy was a tireless champion fighting for greater equality of female athletics and an outstanding coach, whose teams won numerous state championships. Cindy credits here success as a teacher, coach , and person to God who gave her a strong work ethic and a desire to succeed.

Due to family circumstances, "Mr. Drue" as he was fondly known by students did not have the luxury of formal schooling. He did, however, attend night school at St. Luke's Lutheran Church despite working long hours at the mill during the day.

Like many men of his day, Mr. Drue's real education came through work itself and the experience of living the mill life in a mill town (Olympia). Mr. Drue eventually transitioned from the mill to Brookland Cayce High School, where he became Head of Maintenance until his retirement in 1960.

In 1954 the "Maroon and Black" was dedicated to Mr. Drue, wherein the senior class wrote " We the seniors of 1954, dedicate our annual to one of unlimited kindness, human understanding, and warm sympathy... because he lived with us, our lives are richer and fuller." While at BCHS Mr. Drue served as coach of the wrestling team for many years. In 1990 his contributions to BCHS were formally recognized as he was inducted into the schools' Athletic Hall of Fame.

Barbara loved school and admired her teachers which inspired her to attend Georgia State College for Women where she majored in English and Spanish.

Barbara began her career in Georgia teaching 7th grade before moving to Cayce with her husband's new job at SCE&G. Barbara first started in the Brookland Cayce School District (now Lexington Two) as a substitute teacher and was hired full-time in 1968. She taught English at all levels as well as journalism and creative writing. She also served as advisor for the BCHS newspaper and taught AP English class. Barbara became Head of the English Department in 1983 and was named Teacher of the Year.

Throughout her career, Barbara inspired students and colleagues alike with her considerable skills and steady leadership. She possessed a good sense of humor, an unfailing sense of fairness, and a commanding yet gentle presence. Barbara embodied the spirit of teaching, as well as the spirit of professional camaraderie. Barbara retired in 1992 but remained active with the BCHS community.

For much of his formative years, Vassey was defined by mill life in which hard work and blue collar ethos governed day-to-day existence. In 1942, Vassey was drafted into the Air Force as WWII raged. He was stationed in Canada for 3-1/2 years before his honorable discharge.

Using his GI Bill, Vassey enrolled in Newberry College where he received a two-year certificate for bookkeeping and accounting. Vassey worked as a cabinet making during college and discovered he possessed a penchant for carpentry and woodworking. Vassey decided to pursue a career in teaching carpentry and was hired by Brookland Cayce High School in 1953.

Vassey taught carpentry at BCHS for seven years, including a one year stint as the driver's education instructor. In 1960, he was promoted to Lexington Two's Supervisor of Maintenance Services. Vassey served with distinction in his capacity until his retirement in 1980.

Mrs. Lindler earned an AB Degree from Winthrop College and her Master's Degree in Education from the University of South Carolina. She also studied at Bethel Maine National Training Laboratory and Peabody College.

Mrs. Lindler's teaching career began in Clemson, and after teaching in Georgia, she taught English for two years at Brookland Cayce Junior High School before moving to BCHS where she taught math for fifteen years. For six years she also served as Head of the Math Department until retirement in 1971. Mrs. Lindler was more than just an excellent math teacher. She participated in activities by sponsoring the Girls Activity Club, serving as Future Teachers of America and Mu Alpha Theta, the national math honor society, among other duties.

Mrs. Lindler also belonged to the Brookland Cayce Education, the South Carolina Education, and the National Education associations. She was elected Secretary of the Teacher's Council and President of the South Carolina Mathematics Council.

Miss Price received a Liberal Arts Degree in Religion and Philosophy at Newberry College and a Master's Degree in Education from the University of South Carolina.

Mrs. Mooneyhan began her work in Lexington District Two as a substitute teacher and as a homebound teacher. She left the BC schools for three years to teach at Columbia High School. Along with other duties, she helped the school publish their first literary magazine. She returned to Lexington District Two to teach one year at Northside Middle School then moved to Brookland Cayce High School, where she taught in the English Department until her retirement in 1988.

She served on various department and school committees and was an active member in the Alpha Delta Kappa Teacher Sorority and in local, state, and national education associations. One of the highlights of her tenure at BCHS was the opportunity to teach next door to her own high school English teacher and personal mentor, the legendary Marguerite McCaskill.

Mrs. Rabon earned a Liberal Arts Degree from Columbia College and a Master's of Education from South Carolina University. Mrs. Rabon did other graduate work at the University of North Carolina, at William and Mary College, and USC.

Mrs. Rabon taught for 35 years in South Carolina schools including Hartsville, Dentsville and the University High School before joining Brookland Cayce High School in the Math Department. She advised the Mu Alpha Theta, the math honor society, advised the DECA Club and taught Distributive Education. She became Head of the Math Department in 1959, serving in the capacity her last ten years at BCHS.

Alice Rabon was active in professional organizations, a life member of the National Education Association, South Carolina state representative to the National Council of Teacher of Mathematics, two years on the executive board of SCEA, and a member of Rho Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma International, an honorary teachers society. The 1966 Bearcat was dedicated in her memory after her passing in 1965.

Coach Check received his degree from Wofford College where he managed the basketball team, played football for two years and was a member of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity.

Checkovich started his teaching career in Dublin, Georgia and move to Lexington District V in 1966 to teach, coach and and be Athletic Director at Chapin High School. In 1968 coach Check came to Brookland Cayce High School to teach science, social studies, chemistry and drivers education. He was also to coach football, track, volleyball and wrestling. Coach formed the wrestling team in 1970 and coached them for 33 successful years including 24 years of ranking in the top ten teams.

He was coach of the year three times and Southeastern Coach of the Year once. Under Coach Check's leadership, the volleyball team grew and attained Region / Lower State Championships. The 2003 team won the state AAA championship. He was Region Coach seven times and also SC Volleyball Coach of the Year. In 2001, he received the Order of the Palmetto from Governor Jim Hodges. To many students, "Coach" was a father figure or the caring individual that gave them direction with a keen sense of humor.

Paul Risinger earned an AB Degree in Education and Social Studies from the University of South Carolina while working at the John L. Hensel Company.

Risinger began his career at Airport Middle School in 1959 and moved to Airport High School , where he became Principal. He worked at the State Department of Education, back at Airport, then in Sumpter before returning to Lexington District Two. He became Principal at Brookland Cayce High School in 1971. His tenure at BCHS lasted nine years, during which the curriculum grew, and the students received an excellent education.

From 1980 to 1999, Risinger served District Two in a variety of capacities, In 1998 he returned to BCHS as Interim Principal, retiring in 1999.He was willing to do whatever job came his way in order to serve the District and give students an education. Mr. Risinger said BCHS always had good teachers who gave students a strong academic preparation for life. He loved watching students grow, mature and become solid citizens.

Anna went to Limestone college to earn a BA degree in Education and a BS degree in business in 1945.

Her professional career began at Nichols High School, where she taught for a year, then at Lake View High School for two years. In 1948 she became a member of the business faculty at Brookland Cayce High School, where she taught for 30 years. Simultaneously Mrs. Miller taught at the BC / Airport Night School from 1963 to 1974.

Mrs. Miller, in addition to her teaching duties, served as an advisor to the Senior Class, the Future Business Leaders Club, and the Laureate, the school literary magazine. She was also a mentor to many students who came her way. Anna's professional affiliations included serving as President of Appliance Service Center, a business she owned with her husband Wade Miller, with a membership in the Radio Corporation of America Dealers Association, and the Hotpoint Dealers Association. She was also co-founder of the Cayce-West Columbia branch of the Lexington County Library.

She and her husband Wade were avid members of the Bearcat Booster Club and enthusiastically supported sports and other school events.

A 1958 graduate of Denmark-Olar High School, Jerry was President of the Student Body and was honored with All-State in three sports. He attended Presbyterian College on an Athletic Scholarship.

Working with children at the Thornwell Orphanage during his college career convinced Jerry that education would be his life work. After graduation and just one year of teaching he joined the army, serving in Germany as a First Lt. Airborne Ranger Infantry officer for two and a half years. Jerry's education then re-started when he taught and coached at Williston-Elko School in 1965. The next year he taught and coached at Airport High School, then from 1967 - 1972 taught and coached at Bamberg-Ehrhart High School.

Jerry came home to be an Assistance Principal at Brookland Cayce High School from 1973 - 1976 before moving to Saluda Elementary School as Principal for five years. In 1981, Jerry became Assistance Superintendent for Instruction in Lexington II and held that position until retirement in 1994.

Jerry worked with Newberry College's Athletic Department until 2005 and was elected to the Lexington School Board where he was Chairman of the Board three times.

Mrs. Joyce Cribb earned her BS degree from Columbia College. She obtained her Master's degree from the University of South Carolina and completed the course work for her Doctorate except for the thesis when she became ill.

Mrs. Cribb taught at Brookland Cayce High School for a total of 32 years. At the same time she taught in the Business Department of Columbia Junior College (now South University) at night for 36-years. For some years she served as Department Head of Office Occupations at BCHS. She was the advisor for the Future Business Leaders of America organization, coordinated the student work program, and worked as Business Manager of the Bearcat. Mrs. Cribb also served as a State Department of Education Consultant on book selections for office occupations.

She was the BCHS representative on the Lexington II Superintendent Council and for SAFE Federal Credit Union. She was a member of the NEA, the South Carolina Education Association, the LCEA and the BCEA. She was also a member of Rho Chapter of Kappa Gamma International, an honorary teacher society.

Mrs. Hammond received an AB degree in English and History from Carson-Newman College, furthered her education at North Greenville College, and earned her MAT-English Degree from the University of South Carolina.

Mrs. Hammond came to Lexington District II to teach at Airport High School in 1963. She also taught at Fulmer Middle School and J. L. Mann High School, then returned to Fulmer as Head of the English Department from 1967 to 1975. She then came to Brookland Cayce High School where she taught until retirement in 1997.

In addition to teaching, Mrs. Hammond was the Laureate Advisor, an SAT Coordinator, and Chairman of the Curriculum Committee. She was also involved in the Brookland Cayce Education Association, Serving as a Hall Representative and Secretary. Mrs. Hammond received the Reid H. Montgomery Advisor of the Year Award, given for outstanding service to scholastic journalism. She also received the National Council of Teachers of English highest award for excellence in student literary magazines.

Mrs. Hammond was also given the Student Council Faculty Service Award in 1997.

Mr. Moye earned a BS degree in business from Presbyterian College in 1942 and worked on this M. Ed. until completing in 1950.

Mr. Moye coached all sports at Greenwood High School for a year, then returned to Presbyterian College to coach. He came to Brookland Cayce High School in 1950 and continued coaching until 1958. Mr. Moye played football for the then Cleveland Rams for one year. He also served in the Air Force and played on the Air Force football team.

Mr. Moye has been honored by the West Columbia Civitan's being named Civitan of the Year three times and by serving as President. He was Head Coach of the NC/SC Shrine Bowl Team in 1955, and was named to the Presbyterian College Hall of Fame. His induction into the Brookland Cayce Athletic Hall of Fame, the Ben Moye Scholarship in the BCHSEF, and the Ben Moye Athletic Field in Cayce also reward his influence.

An Air Force flag was placed in his honor at the Brookland Cayce High World War II Veterans Memorial.

Barbara Massey Griffin graduated from East Carolina University with a BS in Music Education. When her husband was called to active duty at Fort Jackson, she went to work at Brookland Grammar School. They moved back to North Carolina, then returned to Cayce in 1962.

Mrs. Griffin became Choral Director at Brookland Cayce High School where she served in that capacity until retirement in 1988. Mrs. Griffin's students provided music for many civic club and community projects, WIS-TV and ETV Christmas programs. She was highly involved in the S.C. Choral Solo and Ensemble Festival. She was a member of the All-State Chorus Community and Adjudicator for All-State Chorus Auditions for many years.

The BCHS program grew under her tutelage. She found great joy in her career helping students develop as young men and women and watching them succeed.

Mrs. Newman began her teaching career as an American History teacher, Student Council Advisor and girls basketball coach at Brookland Cayce High School in 1950. She and coach Tom Newman married after that first year.

Mrs. Newman taught in elementary, middle and high school in Lexington II. She served as Director of Guidance and Counseling at Fulmer Middle School and worked as a Building Administrator. She was the Administrative Assistance to Superintendent Herbert Wood from 1976 until her retirement in 1993.

Among her many honors, Mrs. Newman received the S.C. Guidance Counselor of the Year Award, the West Columbia Young Women of the Year Award, and the West Columbia-Cayce Citizen of the Year Award. She received the first Wil Lou Gray Outstanding Educator Award from her alma mater, Columbia College.

Herbert A. Wood graduated from Clemson University in 1937 and began his career with Brookland Cayce High School in 1938 when hired to setup the Industrial Arts shop. He taught there until entering the U.S. military as a Lieutenant where he served from 1942 to 1945 before returning to Brookland Cayce to serve as Principal.

In 1951 Mr. Wood became Director of Instruction for the B-C System. Mr. Wood became Superintendent of Lexington District II in 1967 and served in that capacity until retirement in 1981. During his 44-year tenure in education, three schools were constructed and other schools saw classrooms added under his leadership.

Pine Ridge Elementary School was named Herbert A. Wood Elementary. He was named Superintendent of the Year by the SC School Board Association, and was a charter member of the palmetto Teacher's association.

Formerly of Westville, S.C., Dr. Busbee had been a local resident since 1943 and was a member of Cayce United Methodist Church. He was a U.S. Navy veteran serving in the European Theater during World War II. Dr. Busbee was a school teacher, administrator and coach at Homerville, Ga., Windsor, S.C., Baron Dekalb Schools in Westville and Brookland Cayce Schools.

He was State Superintendent of Schools from 1966 to 1979, serving three terms until his retirement and worked as an assistant to the President of the University of South Carolina after his retirement. He was President of the University of South Carolina Alumni Association in 1955 during which time the University of South Carolina Educational Foundation was conceived.

Dr. Busbee was active in a number of civic organizations and was a former member of the Board of Directors of C&S National Bank and Lexington Medical Center.

Information not available

George was a brilliant man and was a true American hero having served 24 years in the United States Navy. Through his hard work, talent, tenacity and charisma he advanced through the ranks from his enlistment as a young seaman, was nominated for and earned a commission and ultimately retired a much decorated Commander who qualified as a line officer and was to be elevated to "skipper" of his own naval destroyer.

However, his love and devotion to his family ultimately was the deciding factor that led him to retire from naval service and move with his wife, Claudia, and daughter, Diane, back to West Columbia to focus his time and care on their well-being.

This began his second career as a geometry teacher at Brookland-Cayce High School where, over the next 18 years, he became renowned with students and faculty alike as a very competent and challenging school teacher. His expectations for excellence were sometimes intimidating and his flair for the ‘zany' legendary. And, to those students who actually knew the shortest distance between two points, he always bestowed on the "real and true" recipe for Grits as handed down to him by Earl C. Festoon.

A role model and inspiration to all, many of his students continued on with his standards in their lives to become very prominent and influential people in the community in their own right. In every conversation had with George he never forgot the students that enriched his life with so much humor and pride.

Mrs. Coker was a 1932 graduate of Chapin High School, a 1936 graduate of Winthrop College, and received her Master of Education degree from the University of South Carolina in 1953. She also received certification in guidance and counseling for secondary education from USC in 1960. She had retired from Brookland-Cayce High School with 38 years teaching experience in South Carolina, 36 of which served Lexington County (26 years at B-C High, seven at Chapin High, and four years in Gilbert). Her teaching experience began in Williamsburg County at Hebron Elementary School, Cades, SC (1936-38).

In conjunction with her teaching career, she held numerous offices in professional teacher's organizations at both the state and local level. These included: president of South Carolina Education Association of Classroom Teachers (1969), Lexington County Retired Educators, Advisory Board of Southern Interscholastic Press Association, Rho Chapter Delta Kappa Gamma Society International (Honorary Teachers Sorority), Epsilon Chapter Alpha Delta Kappa (Honorary Teachers Sorority), and the Women's Club of West Columbia. She was second vice president of Alpha Eta State Delta Kappa Gamma International, secretary of S.C. Education Association (retired), and secretary-treasurer of the S.C. Women Deans and Counselors Association. She was teacher of the year in Lexington (1968), District 2 and a member of the Governor's Salary Study Committee. In 1992 Mrs. Coker was inducted into the Lexington District 2 Heroes and Heroines Wall of Fame. She was also selected to the Brookland-Cayce High School Foundation's B-C Educator Hall of Fame in 2003. Other awards include achievement awards for Delta Kappa Gamma (state), plus B-C High Faculty Service Award. Her community service included secretary of Earlwood Dixie Youth Baseball League, Worthy Matron, Order of the Eastern Star (Earlwood Chapter), and President Supreme Forest Woodmen Circle.

James Porter attended Brookland Cayce High School graduating in 1951 then began his teaching career under Mr. William Parrish in 1958. He taught History and Government and served for a time as Head of the Social Studies Department.

He became Assistant Principal in 1969, spending much of his time in charge of buildings and grounds. He was always on call, and many nights you would find him meeting the police and securing the grounds after the alarms had gone off.

Mr. Porter built a special rapport with the custodial staff and with many teachers. He was interested in the welfare of the people who worked at BCHS and did much to ensure the building and grounds were conducive to the education that took place there.

Rosalie Shull became a substitute teacher at Brookland Cayce High School in 1931. She was then hired full-time and taught four years before being asked to become librarian in 1937.

She was instrumental in getting the BCHS Library started with about 704 volumes and room for 15 students. Under her leadership, the library moved to the 2nd floor of the school, grew to a book collection of 3,686 volumes, four daily newspapers, the county weekly and 31 magazines. Later, audiovisuals and microfilms were added and the library expanded to 11,516 books, eight newspapers and 65 periodicals.

The library was a great part of Miss Shull's life, and she lovingly contributed to its growth during her 36 years of service. She retired in 1973 after a career of 40+ years at Brookland Cayce High School.

Marguerite McCaskill began her career in 1945 at Brookland Cayce High School, teaching English and French. Her career lasted 37 years, including many years as Head of the English Department. She became the first English Department leader appointed by the administration. During her years at BCHS, she led work on English curriculum including elementary and middle school English, taught Business English, assisted other counselors in the BCSH Guidance Department.

She was a member of the Brookland Cayce Education Department, Lexington County Education Association, South Carolina Education Association, and many other organizations.