SIC Advocate of the Year
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SIC Advocate of the Year Award
The SIC Advocate of the Year Award honors outstanding individuals and groups that have made a lasting impact on school improvement in South Carolina. These advocates have shown dedication and leadership in enhancing education, through demonstrating dedication, leadership, and a commitment to education and our communities by working on behalf of the children of South Carolina.
Who is eligible?
Open to parents, educators, community leaders, organizations, groups, and stakeholders.
Must have actively contributed to school improvement efforts on behalf of the children in South Carolina.
Demonstrated leadership and advocacy in educational initiatives that benefit students.
Nominations for 2025 are now closed.
We will announce this year’s Advocate of the Year at the SC-SIC Annual Conference, on Saturday, April 5!
Previous Honorees
2024- The Honorable Nikki G. Setzler
State Senator representing South Carolina District 26
2023- Dr. Jacqueline Inabinette
Assistant Superintendent of Administration, Clarendon County School District
2022 – King Laurence
Superintendent & Former SIC District Contact, Aiken County Public School District
2021 – Anderson School District Two
2020 – Dr. Luanne Kokolis
Assistant Superintendent & SIC District Contact, Rock Hill Schools
2019 – Dr. Diane M. Monrad
Director & Research Associate Professor, SC Education Policy Center, USC College of Education
2018 – Dr. Traci Young Cooper
SIC District Contact, Richland District One & Former Chair, SC Board of Education
2017 – Ms. Ellen M. Still
Former SC Senate Education Committee Research Director, SC Deputy Superintendent, & SC-SIC Board Chair
2016 – Ms. Dora Leonard and Dr. Lorilei Swanson
Former SIC Chair & SIC Secretary, Walhalla High SIC, School District of Oconee County
2015 – Ms. Melanie D. Barton
Executive Director, SC Education Oversight Committee
2014 – Dr. Percy A. Mack
Superintendent, Richland District One
2013 – Dr. Baron Holmes
Former Research Director, SC House Education & Public Works Committee
2012 – Mr. Fred S. Washington, Jr.
Past Chair, Beaufort County Board of Education
2011 – Ms. Carrie Toney
Custodian, Lower Lee Elementary, Lee County School District
2010 – Ms. Clara Heinsohn
Former SIC District Contact, Charleston County School District
2009 – Ms. Delores Gilliard and Mr. Carlos Primus
Principal & SIC Chair, A.J. Lewis Greenview Elementary, Richland District One
2008 – The Hon. Robert Q. Williams
SC House of Representatives
2007 – Ms. Donna Tinsley
Former SIC Member & Staff Member, SC House Education & Public Works Committee
2006 – Dr. Mike Fanning
Executive Director, Olde English Consortium
2005 – Dr. Al Leonard and Mr. Jeff Nicholson
Principal & SIC Chair, South Pointe High School, Rock Hill District 3
2004 – The Hon. Bill Cotty and The Hon. Joel Lourie
SC House of Representatives
2003 – Ms. Joan Grimmett
Former SIC District Contact, Horry County School