Pine Tree Hill Elementary teacher Mary Vannatter named 2026 KCSD Teacher of the Year; Camden Middle teacher Marcia Daniels to serve as first alternate

Last night during the Kershaw County School District Teacher of the Year Recognition Program, Pine Tree Hill Elementary third grade teacher Mary Vannatter was named the 2026 Kershaw County School District Teacher of the Year, while Camden Middle Spanish teacher Marcia Daniels was chosen as first alternate.

All 18 Kershaw County schools selected teachers of the year. Vannatter and Daniels were two of five honor roll teachers selected as finalists for the district award. Other honor roll teachers are Flo Jackson, Blaney Elementary; Abigail Baytes Sheorn, Camden High; and Suzanna Hall, North Central High. 

An educator for seven years, Vannatter is known for fostering an atmosphere where students don't just meet expectations — they excel, grow, and thrive. She sees the potential in every student before they see it in themselves, creating a foundation of trust that allows them to reach for the stars. While she is incredibly humble and consistently shies away from notoriety, her influence speaks louder than any public accolade ever could. She is an educator who quietly excels behind the scenes, content to let her students’ achievements take the spotlight.

She says, “I’m incredibly honored and honestly so grateful to be named the Kershaw County School District Teacher of the Year. I feel really blessed to do this work every day alongside such amazing colleagues and to serve students and families who inspire me more than they probably realize. Growing up in a military family, I didn’t often have the chance to feel rooted in one place, so being embraced by this community has meant more to me than I can fully express. This recognition means a lot, but it truly reflects the entire community I’m so lucky to be a part of.”

Vannatter earned a bachelor of arts degree in early childhood education from the University of South Carolina Upstate and a master of arts in reading education degree from Grand Canyon University. 

Her principal Markieta Barber says, “Mary Vannatter stands apart not just for what her students achieve, but for how they grow, believe, and thrive under her care. Year after year, her academic results speak for themselves with exceptional growth across all performance areas. But her magic goes far beyond data. She builds authentic, joyful relationships with students whether she is playing kickball at recess, cheering them on at after school events, or turning everyday lessons into creative, engaging lessons. Her classroom is a place where learning feels fun, students feel seen, and excellence is the standard. We are truly blessed to have her as a Bullpup and now as the District Teacher of the Year!”

Also honored during the evening’s celebration was Camden High School Mathematics Teacher Rasheeda Edwards who was named as the district’s Outstanding First Year Teacher.

The judges were impressed with Mrs. Edwards saying, “this teacher requires high level thinking skills of all students. She notices each student and makes sure they each are actively engaged in class. She left a successful career to pursue a dream of helping others.”

Other Outstanding First Year Teacher honor roll finalists are Linden Carbaugh, Lugoff-Elgin High School; Kristen Franceschi, Jackson School; and Shawn Tarte, Camden High School.

Pine Tree Hill Elementary Principal Markieta Barber was recognized as the district’s 2026 Principal of the Year.

"Mrs. Barber has a remarkable gift for balancing high academic standards with a genuine, visible love for her students," said Superintendent Dr. Harrison Goodwin. "She doesn’t just manage a school, she has intentionally built a culture where students, staff, and families feel a true sense of belonging. Her leadership is the reason Pine Tree Hill is such a vibrant place to learn."

A 2004 graduate of Camden High School, Barber is proud to be a product of the Kershaw County School District. Her journey in education spans 18 years of dedicated service, beginning in the classroom as a kindergarten and third-grade teacher.

Since taking the helm at Pine Tree Hill, Mrs. Barber has spearheaded a powerful Leader in Me implementation, empowering students to take ownership of their learning and leadership. Her nominations highlighted her "forward-thinking, evidence-aligned practices," leading to rigorous instruction, data-driven student growth and authentic community connections.

All of the 2026 local school teachers of the year were honored at the celebration. They are:

• Blaney Elementary School – Flo Jackson
• Camden Elementary School – Haley Anderson
• Camden High School – Abigail B. Sheorn
• Camden Middle School – Marcia Daniels
• Continuous Learning Center – Amanda Altman
• Doby’s Mill Elementary School – Megan Capozziello
• Jackson School – Taylor Cotton
• Lugoff Elementary School – Ashly Haigh
• Lugoff-Elgin High School – Gracie Buring
• Lugoff-Elgin Middle School – Sharon Delaney
• Midway Elementary School – Dr. Crystal McInvaille
• North Central Elementary School – Lexe Sims
• North Central High School – Suzanna Hall
• North Central Middle School – Valarie Dixon
• Pine Tree Hill Elementary School – Mary Vannatter
• Stover Middle School – Cassandra Mickle
• Wateree Elementary School – Shannan Bright
• Woolard Technology Center – Mary Kathryn Shores

During the celebration, the Kershaw County Teacher Forum also awarded the $1,500 Mary Ann Blaskowitz Education Scholarship to Lugoff-Elgin High School senior Addison Greenwood. 

This scholarship is named for Teacher Forum Member Mary Ann Blaskowitz, who was the first Kershaw County Teacher of the Year to be named South Carolina Teacher of the Year.