Carolyn Murray (nickname Dolly)
Burke High School Class of 1984

Television news anchor, reporter, podcaster

"My career has been profoundly shaped by my experiences within the Charleston County School District, particularly at Burke High School, a historic institution that has nurtured generations of leaders, including my own family. Growing up, I was inspired by my parents, who both graduated from Burke, and by my five siblings, all of whom proudly walked the same halls. The desire to join their ranks and become a graduate of this esteemed school was a dream I held dear.

At Burke, I discovered my passion for communication and developed a deep compassion for all people. My involvement in the Burke High School band as a majorette under Mrs. Yvette Miller and Mr. Linard McLeod taught me the value of teamwork and discipline. Likewise, my time as a cheerleader under Mrs. Bennett and Mrs. Seabrook instilled in me the importance of support and encouragement, both on and off the field.

The mentorship I received from incredible educators like Dr. Maxine Smith inspired my writing endeavors and pushed me to express my thoughts and beliefs with confidence. Participating in pageants and recitals further cultivated my self-assurance and passion for advocacy. These experiences empowered me to raise my voice for those who are disenfranchised and marginalized, a calling I hold close to my heart.

The opportunity to interview influential individuals who are also products of Burke High School, such as U.S. Olympian Raven Saunders, former Charlotte Mayor Harvey Gantt, and Dr. Valerie Kinloch, the president of Johnson C. Smith University, has been nothing short of inspiring. Their stories resonate deeply with me and remind me of the powerful legacy of our school.

Ultimately, the foundation of my life and career was laid at the corner of 144 President Street. My time at Burke High School was not just an educational experience; it was a transformative journey that equipped me with the skills, confidence, and compassion needed to make a meaningful impact in my community. I am forever grateful to the Charleston County School District for shaping the person I am today."

Caleb Smith
Charleston School of the Arts (Class of 2018)

 
In 2018, Charleston County School of the Arts Middle & High School senior, Caleb Smith not only earned a spot in the 2018 Optimist International Oratorical World Championship in St. Louis, he won the World Championship.

Following high school, he matriculated to Oglethorpe University on a full scholarship to continue his fine arts studies. In his senior year at Oglethorpe, he was accepted to study abroad in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom at the University of Oxford. He graduated in 2022.

Smith's professional career has become equally as impressive as his academic career.

In 2024, he started his own media production company and is the CEO of Avery Media LLC.

“The Charleston County School District (CCSD) not only equipped me with a rigorous academic foundation that has been instrumental in my collegiate success, but more importantly, it provided me with a nurturing environment where I could flourish creatively. Being accepted into CCSD's prestigious School of the Arts was a transformative experience—one that ignited my passion for creative expression and gave me the confidence to pursue my artistic vision.
Without this opportunity, I can't say I would have developed such a deep love for my craft, nor would I have been able to build and run a thriving media production business.

What CCSD offers through its Fine Arts programs is truly unique. These programs not only empower students to discover and hone their talents but also set them on a path toward meaningful success. The district fosters an environment where students learn to understand that their passions and creativity are invaluable - and that their potential extends far beyond what they may initially realize.”

Jason Drayton, Principal
Baptist Hill Middle / High School

For many children, sports are an integral part of their lives growing up. They dream big, and those dreams are what fuel the long hours of practice and all the extra time spent in the weight room.

Baptist Hill Middle High School Principal Jason Drayton was one of those children whose dreams, through hard work, became a reality. Today, we profile the Mount Pleasant native who is now helping a new generation of students and dreamers realize their potential at Baptist Hill.

"I grew up in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and from an early age, football was my passion. I can still remember the excitement of Friday Night Lights when my parents would take my brother and me to watch a Wando Warrior football game. I couldn’t wait to be a Warrior!

In 1993, that dream became a reality. As a freshman, I earned a spot on the Wando Varsity Football Team. By the time I graduated, I was a four-year starter and had earned a full scholarship to Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia.

After college, I returned home, uncertain about my next step. Then, I received a call from my favorite teacher, Mrs. Betsy Wilson. She wanted to meet with me because she had something to share. During our conversation, she asked what I thought about becoming a teacher and football coach. The opportunity to inspire and motivate teenagers to be great was something I couldn’t pass up.

I firmly believe that every child has the potential to excel, and I emphasize the importance of home-school partnerships in empowering students to shape their futures. Throughout my career, I have initiated several impactful programs, including C.U.R.L.S. (Culturally Unmatched Resilient Legacy Students), designed to nurture future African American leaders; the Dreamweaver Program, which provides support for families in need; and various school-wide initiatives that encourage and reward positive behaviors in secondary schools. I am currently the proud principal of Baptist Hill Middle High School where I am helping to fortify the bridge between the school and the community.

Every teacher, coach, volunteer, and administrator I encountered has played a role in shaping the man I have become. Now, I have the privilege of doing the same for the next generation. I am continuously honored to step into a role where I can guide and uplift young lives, just as my mentors did for me."

Michele English-Watson
Retired CCSD Educator

"Great leaders are often significantly influenced by other leaders who came before them, learning from their successes and failures, and building upon existing knowledge and strategies to develop their own leadership style; essentially, "standing on the shoulders of giants.".

Michele English-Watson has been a role model and community leader, both inside and outside of Charleston County School District classrooms for more than six decades.

Michele's service to students:

• First-year classroom teacher at CCSD Frierson ES 1978-1982
• Taught at CCSD Mt. Zion 1/2 day Kindergarten 1978-1980
• CCSD Title I Early Childhood Consultant 1990;
• CCSD Title I Consultant 1995;
• CCSD Federal Programs Director 2001,
• Executive Director 2008;
• Associate Superintendent 2016

"Charleston County School District (CCSD) influenced my future by exposing me to great leaders who were monumental in developing and sharpening the foundation of my skills as an educator and administrator. The lasting impact of these experiences and relationships is immeasurable.

As a child raised in a community of CCSD professional Black educators (teachers and administrators), I was exposed to world-class second-to-none, incredibly positive well-meaning folks who taught with a strong discipline that was focused and relevant.

I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education and community support, and it has inspired me to contribute in any way I can.

Planning for and implementing CCSD specialized programs such as the Summer Enhancement Program (SEP), Title I academic, parenting, migrant education, and services for displaced students and families, and the COVID Learning Pods built a sense of urgency within me so to serve our students and families in the community with vigor and fidelity.

Through my work experience in the district, I was able to meet and serve some impressive students, whose paths I have crossed as adults being highly productive in the Charleston community.

Even today, as a retired person, current CCSD school-based administrators have opened their doors to several organizations that I am affiliated with, allowing us to continue serving our scholars as they prescribe. This brings an awareness of fulfillment and joy knowing that again, I am able to extend a hand!

Looking ahead, I remain enthusiastic about the possibilities for future generations. By staying involved and connected to the Charleston County School District, I hope to continue making a positive difference, ensuring that every student we touch will have access to the resources and support they need to succeed."

TyWanza Sanders
James Island Charter School - Class of 2016

Donovan Hamilton
Academic Magnet High School
Class of 2025
CCSD Middle School Learning Community Intern of Dr. Colleen Knauer

"The CCSD Middle School Learning Community Internship gave me immense insight into the world of education. It allowed me to converse with some of the most successful educators in the state and really helped me form my career path. I now know who I want to work with, why I want to do it, and that I'm capable of doing it because I've already done it!

Dr. Joe Williams also showed me that it's all possible as an expressive black man, I can't thank him enough for his impact on my development."

Kalila "Nikki" Wilson
Wando High School Class of 1997
Educator, High School Assistant Principal (20 years with CCSD)

"As an adult, I realized that CCSD made me a believer in public education. Having attended CCSD schools K-12, I have been able to grow and develop academically, athletically, and in leadership. Participating in SAIL as an elementary student at JBE opened my eyes to academic success. Making the varsity soccer team as a 7th-grade Moultrie MS student allowed me to expand my athletic interest. Serving as the commander of the AFJROTC as a senior at Wando HS foreshadowed my path to education and leadership.

As an Educator, I have been able to cultivate my craft in CCSD. Having had the opportunity to serve MY community East of the Cooper has been a highlight of my career. Coach Alexis Glover welcomed me HOME in 2006, inviting me to join her historic, award-winning Volleyball program as an Assistant Coach. That same year, Ms. Sue Steed passed the reigns to the African American Club. A club that helped to shape me throughout my high school experience and into the Advocate that I am today and my work with the Black Educators Affinity Group. Being able to grow and develop as an Educator among those who helped to prepare me for this future was an unmatched experience. My development as an Athletic Coach helped me more on the Teacher side than I could imagine. The opportunity to lead the team that I once captained to a 2nd runner-up in the state in my 2nd year as head coach opened my eyes to what legacy building was about. Upon transitioning to Laing Middle School, I was allowed to lead Laing Leaders for Tomorrow. This opportunity expanded my leadership potential. But, it also reminded me of the great Rita Pearson once said “ Every child needs an advocate.”

As an Administrator, I often reflect on my K-12 years and how they positioned me for my future. Helping to instill critical skills such as self-respect, responsibility, and hard work are skills I try to demonstrate and instill in all of the students and staff I serve and work alongside. I am fortunate to have had many in my journey guide me along this ever winding path. I am tremendously grateful for the opportunities I have been afforded and continue to reciprocate these blessings in any way I can so that those who come behind me can forge their paths with as much support as I have added. “To whom much is given, much is required."

Maya Green
Class of 2020 Charleston County School of the Arts Middle & High School
Stanford University graduate

"I currently work as an NYC Urban Fellow, which is a public service fellowship program that places recent college grads in positions within the New York City government. I've been placed at the NYC Economic Development Corporation in an urban planning role where I get to work on coastal resilience and historic preservation of an African burial ground, projects where my approach is very informed by growing up in Charleston.

My time at SOA played a huge role in shaping me into the person I am today. I feel so lucky to have been surrounded by such creative, talented, and authentic classmates, some of whom are still my closest friends!

My teachers were also so encouraging and supportive, and in particular I have to shout out the Creative Writing program. Not only did I learn so much about craft and discipline, but I was also given the agency (year-round, not just in February!) to ask hard questions about identity, history, and justice that are still motivating my career choices."

Deshawn Washington-Jenkins
Class Of 2025 
Baptist Hill Middle High School

Accomplishments/Accolades: 

• Avid Awards- Writing Award, Speaking Award, Advocacy Award, Positivity Award, and Leadership Award
• Microburst Employability Skill Certified 
• Anticipated Double CCSD Career & Technology Education Completer- Digital Art & Design and Biomedical Science
• Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)-President
• Former Student Governments- Chief Of Staff
• Senior Class Council- Vice-President 
• School Improvement Council (SIC)- Co-Chair ( for the past 2 years)
• Multicultural Clubs- Director of Events
• ​Palmetto Boys State 2024 
• JROTC Department's- Battalion Commander, Rank- Cadet Lieutenant Colonel  ​

"Throughout my journey from Jane Edwards Elementary to Baptist Hill Middle High School, I’ve been shaped by the guidance and support of amazing mentors and experiences. My principal, Ms. Susan Miles, planted a seed that has carried me through the years: “Anything is possible when you reach for the stars.” That simple yet powerful message has been my driving force, pushing me to seek out leadership opportunities and embrace challenges along the way.
As a senior, I’ve had the honor of serving in various leadership roles at Baptist Hill Middle High School, from Battalion Commander in JROTC to Vice President of the Senior Class Council and Co-Chair of the School Improvement Council, a position I hold as the first student in Charleston County School District (CCSD) to do so. These roles have not only allowed me to grow as a leader but also have given me the chance to impact my school community in meaningful ways.
One of the most transformative experiences in my life was participating in Palmetto Boys State in June 2024. When I first arrived, I was uncertain about my abilities and hesitant to take on leadership roles. But as the week unfolded, I was encouraged to step outside of my comfort zone and take on responsibilities that challenged me. I realized that leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but about being willing to listen, learn, and empower others. Whether it was speaking in front of a crowd, making tough decisions, or leading a team under pressure, I discovered the power of vulnerability and the importance of supporting those around me. It was a defining moment that shifted my perspective on leadership and reinforced the idea that true leaders lift others up. I was successful in obtaining City Chairman, County Superintendent of Education, and Chairman of the Nationalist Party.

Additionally, I was honored to be selected by my school principal Mr. Jason Drayton to serve on the Superintendent’s Cabinet, where I have the opportunity to collaborate with Superintendent Huggins and her amazing team. This experience gave me and other student leaders a platform to voice our opinions and discuss ways to improve CCSD, making a lasting impact on the district we call home.

Another pivotal experience in my journey was my summer internship with Kaleidoscope at E.B. Ellington Elementary. This opportunity allowed me to work closely with children and truly ignited my passion for teaching. Seeing the impact that education has on young minds solidified my desire to pursue a career in education. I am incredibly grateful to Ms. Lisa Fryar and Principal Dallas for allowing me to be part of such an amazing program. Their mentorship and the experience I gained through Kaleidoscope reinforced my calling to shape the future through education.

As I move into the final chapter of my high school journey, I carry the lessons I’ve learned with me. I’ve come to understand that leadership isn’t just about being in charge—it’s about creating an environment where others feel valued and empowered to succeed. I’ve learned to embrace responsibility and seek out opportunities to make a positive impact, whether in the classroom, with my peers, or in the larger community.
This fall, I will be attending Anderson University, majoring in Secondary Social Studies with a minor in Spanish. My goal is to become a teacher, then an administrator, and eventually a principal. My ultimate dream is to serve as the Superintendent of Education for the State of South Carolina, where I can continue to uplift students, educators, and communities across the state.

I am beyond grateful to Baptist Hill Middle High School, the faculty, staff, and administration for nurturing my growth and helping me become the leader I am today. I also want to express my deepest appreciation to the wonderful communities of Hollywood, Ravenel, and Edisto Island for their unwavering support. Their belief in me has been instrumental in shaping my journey, and I am committed to giving back and continuing to uplift those around me. 
The leadership lessons I’ve gained will not only guide me through my senior year but will also shape the path I choose to take in the future."

Kema L Walker
Wando High School Class of 1994
School Counselor at R.B. Stall High School

"Having great examples of family, friends, and mentors, who have worked for Charleston County School District inspired me to work in education. I love working with and helping students achieve their goals in education and beyond".

Peyton Raybon
Wando High School Class of 2020
Assistant Cheerleading Coach at Wando High School

"My six years of cheer experience with a CCSD school led me to have a successful 4 years as a collegiate athlete. It makes me so happy to be back so I can try to have the same impact on the next generation of athletes!"

Michelle M. Simmons
Class of 1993
Burke High School
Chief Academic Officer, 27 years @ CCSD (Teacher, Lead Teacher, AP, Principal, ED/Associate of the ELC)

Ms. Simmons is a native of Charleston, SC where she grew up in downtown Charleston and matriculated through the schools of Charleston County School District. She is a mighty bulldog through and through having graduated from Burke High School, South Carolina State University, and The Citadel. Over the last 27 years, Ms. Simmons has honorably served CCSD as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, Executive Director, and Associate Superintendent of the Elementary Learning Community.

In her current role as Chief Academic Officer, Michelle is tasked with leading five of the district's academic departments including Teaching & Learning, Special Education, and Student Support Services. She believes that her team's work resides at the heart of teaching and learning and is grounded in Leading well and Serving well. Providing support around curriculum, instruction, and assessment is the core work of the Learning Services division. Ms. Simmons serves on the Superintendent's Cabinet and works alongside a team of dedicated professionals.

Outside of work, Michelle is intentional about helping and serving others. She is a mentor to a high school scholar through the O.K.R.A Soup Foundation and Geechie Girls Rock. She regularly volunteers at various church and community events incorporating literacy and books wherever she goes!
Ms. Simmons is passionate about education and believes that education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today. She is a powerful example of what can happen for scholars when their potential is recognized and nurtured.

She is the proud mother to one amazing son, Ahmad, a graduate of Claflin University.