Black History Month Profiles - February 2026
We’re proud to kick off Black History Month by honoring the past, present, and future of Charleston County School District. Throughout February, we’ll be highlighting the voices, stories, leaders, and students who have shaped — and continue to shape — our schools and our community. Join us as we celebrate excellence, resilience, and legacy across CCSD. 
A proud product of the Charleston County School District (CCSD), Sonya Jones is a 1981 graduate of C.A. Brown High School. Her academic foundation includes a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management and a Master’s degree in Education. Sonya holds professional certifications in Reading and Career and Technology Education (CTE). Sonya’s current role is a Title I Program Compliance Administrator.
Throughout her distinguished career in education, she has served as a high school educator, Department Chair, and CTE School Facilitator. Beyond the classroom, Sonya is a graduate of the Charleston Metro Chamber’s Leadership Discovery program and has contributed her expertise to the community as a former board member for both the Fetter Health Network and the Lowcountry Continuum of Care.
“I am honored to be in my fortieth year of service with the Charleston County School District,” said Jones. “My career has been profoundly shaped by the mentorship of former CCSD leaders such as Dr. Barbara Dilligard, Ms. Susanna Durant, Ms. Michele English-Watson, and Ms. Karen B. Williams. These exemplary women modeled the true meaning of accountability, responsibility, and integrity. They instilled in me a drive for excellence, the resilience to overcome challenges, and the importance of servant leadership. They taught me how to receive and give constructive feedback. Because of their influence, I have dedicated my life to ‘lending a hand up ' and never settling for anything less than my full potential. All these skills helped shape me to be who I am today, and for that, I am.
As a lifelong Charleston County resident, Tyrone Simmons was shaped by the Charleston County School District from an early age, attending elementary, middle, and high school before graduating from Wando High School in 1996.
“Throughout my years in the district, dedicated teachers, coaches, and mentors instilled in me the values of discipline, accountability, and service to others,” said Simmons. “Growing up and learning in this community gave me a deep appreciation for responsibility, leadership, and teamwork. Those lessons laid the foundation for my career in law enforcement and continue to guide me in my role today as Undersheriff of the Charleston County Sheriff’s Charleston County Sheriff's Office, where I am honored to serve the same community that helped raise me.”
As a student, CCSD was the place where Sydone Coaxum’s foundation was built. She is from the Red Top Community and attended Oakland Elementary School. Returning to CCSD as an educator felt like a full-circle moment. Since 2011, the district has influenced her growth to lead and serve in multiple roles - teacher, instructional coach, mentor, and program coordinator. Each role strengthened Coaxum’s belief in the power of strong schools, meaningful relationships, and consistent support for both students and teachers.
“CCSD shaped how I lead, collaborate, and advocate for continuous improvement,” said Coaxum. “Watching my own children learn (Drayton Hall Elementary School and West Ashley High School), and graduate (West Ashley High School Class of 2025) from the same system that shaped me, reinforces my commitment to giving back. CCSD influenced my future by making education more than a career—for me, it's a calling rooted in community, legacy, and impact.”
Charleston County School District introduced Hannah Moultrie to an internship program called Elevate CHS for students who desire to be future educators. She loves the program because it gives her the opportunity to have an in-person, hands-on experience of what it's like to help young kids.
“I get to see how young students process thoughts, what method helps them learn, and even how to handle their emotions,” said Moultrie. “I especially enjoy growing an amazing bond with them as I keep coming every day. It just warms my heart seeing their faces light up when they see me. Most importantly, it gives me a chance to observe the teacher and see how she teaches and keeps the students engaged in the lesson. “
The Charleston County School District shaped Crystal Robinson’s future and commitment to education and community service by grounding her in collaboration, community, and shared responsibility for student success. She currently holds a Bachelor's in Psychology, a Master's in Early Education, a Master's in Adult Education (Community & Higher Ed), and Teacher Certification in Special Education- Multi Categorical.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work in a variety of educational settings across the country, including Early Childhood, Higher Education, Adult Education, and Special Education. I am excited to return and share my learnings and experiences with our young scholars, parents, and guardians!
As a Burke High School graduate, I experienced a school culture that valued strong relationships, high expectations, and collective support. Burke High School was more than a school–it was a community that nurtured leadership, cultural pride, and a deep sense of purpose. Returning to Burke as a teacher, coach, and parent to a current and future Burke Bulldog has been especially meaningful. It not only allows me to contribute to a learning environment where students are supported academically, socially, and emotionally, but it also provides me the opportunity to give back to the community that helped shape my purpose and reaffirm my lifelong commitment to our community, while allowing my own children to experience the same family-oriented culture of Burke High School.”
As a Charleston native, Charleston County School District, particularly Military Magnet Academy - MMA played a significant role in shaping the direction of Tre’von Spiller's life. MMA instilled discipline, accountability, and structure at a critical stage of his development. The academic and personal expectations placed on Tre’von helped prepare him for the challenges he would later face as a college student-athlete. Just as important, the staff and coaches believed in Tre’von early on and consistently encouraged him to pursue opportunities beyond high school, even when the path forward wasn’t always clear.
“My love for basketball began at a young age as a way to stay active and connected to those around me. What started as something fun gradually became a passion as I learned that the game rewarded consistency, effort, and discipline - values that were reinforced throughout my experience at MMA. Over time, basketball became an outlet for growth, self-expression, and motivation to push beyond what I once thought was possible.
After graduating in 2021, my collegiate journey required patience, resilience, and faith. I began my freshman year at USC Salkehatchie in Walterboro, where I learned how to adapt quickly and grow in a competitive environment. I continued my development at Moberly Area Community College, gaining valuable experience and perspective along the way. My junior year at Appalachian State University challenged me both academically and athletically, and I carried those lessons into my senior and graduate seasons at Wake Forest University, where I had the opportunity to compete at the highest level of collegiate basketball.
Throughout this journey, I often heard how difficult it would be to reach this level and how unlikely it seemed. Those words never discouraged me, but they did serve as reminders that the road ahead would not be easy. Now, standing in a place I once thought might be out of reach, I am filled with gratitude and appreciation for every step that led me here. I don’t take this opportunity lightly and remain thankful to my family, friends, teachers, coaches, and everyone who played a role in helping me reach this point in my career.
Looking back, I don’t take any part of this journey for granted. Every stop, every coach, and every setback contributed to my growth. CCSD helped lay the foundation by teaching me discipline, responsibility, and perseverance—values that have stayed with me throughout my life.
If I could share one message with young students chasing big dreams, it would be this: never give up on what you believe in. Step outside your comfort zone, learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable, and trust the process—because you never know how far it can take you."