CCSD is thrilled to share inspiring stories of student success, courage, and triumph that embody the spirit of the district. Please enjoy the following example of the heart of our work. 

Last year, the school community at Thomas C. Cairo Middle School welcomed a remarkable sixth-grader, Veronika Trefilova. Veronika arrived from Russia, bringing with her a fierce determination to embrace and excel in a completely new environment - not just a new school, but a new country.
This very brave child walked into the school that first day unable to speak English. With the love and support of the staff at Cario and the new friends she quickly made at school, Veronika settled in perfectly.

Veronika calls the move the most challenging thing she has ever done in her life, but one she is grateful for.

“My childhood dream has always been to come to America,” she said.

The Trefilova’s had family in the United States and fortunately some cousins in the Lowcountry. They initially were supposed to go to New York but with cousins here, and the absence of snow, Mount Pleasant seemed like a good choice.

Now a seventh grader, Veronika's journey began amidst challenging circumstances, leaving behind turmoil for a fresh start in Mount Pleasant. Despite the daunting challenge of not speaking English upon her arrival, her resilience shone through. With the unwavering support of Cario's staff and the warmth of new friendships, she quickly adapted and truly thrived.

Throughout that first year, Veronika not only became fluent in English but also immersed herself in extracurriculars such as chorus and piano, discovering new passions and building lifelong friendships. Her transformation from a nervous newcomer to a confident student and aspiring piano and chorus teacher is a powerful testament to the supportive, nurturing environment that Cario strives to provide and to Veronika’s determination.

She quickly met new friends. Layla, who is one of her closest, met her in chorus. They sat by each other and Layla was able to help her with the many questions she had those first few weeks. They soon exchanged phone numbers and it wasn’t long before Veronika was texting in English.

“I am really proud of her,” Layla said. “She came in with confidence which allowed her to quickly adapt. Her sweet personality is also why so many people wanted to be her friend.”

Veronika has a tight circle of friends who all agree that her kindness and appreciation of those around her shine through.

Emma, Allison, Ansley, Felicity, and Zoey are just a handful of her friends who think the world of her.  She’s described as bubbly, friendly, nice, and someone with the best singing voice around.

Veronika's experience is a shining example of how the Cario community uplifts every student, helping them to discover their potential and pursue their dreams. It is a reminder that in CCSD, we are more than just a school district; we are a place where students from any background find a second home, ready to nurture and inspire.

Charleston County School District supports all students and their diverse journeys, celebrating every unique story like Veronika's, which weaves the rich tapestry of our district’s culture. 

Looking back at just one year ago, Veronika is surprised at how far she has come in learning and speaking the language and enjoying all things American.

“I was so nervous, but my teachers and friends said I could do it, so I did,” she said.
 

CCSD is thrilled to share inspiring stories of student success, courage, and triumph that embody the spirit of the district. Please enjoy the following example of the heart of our work. 

There are many reasons to love Forrest Seaman, a first-grade student at Memminger Elementary School. His confidence beams through his smile. His manners and quick wit are endearing. His passion and drive to do all things are enviable. Most admirable is his independence.

Despite being born with a significant limb difference and physical disability,  Forrest has never let it define his capabilities or limit his aspirations. He speeds down the halls in his custom wheelchair, which one curious student mistook for a car. He rode the bus by himself on the first day of school and whizzed in the front door like he had been a student at Memminger for years, despite it being his first day at the school. From his first day, Forrest quickly connected with the school resource officer, forging a bond that epitomizes his proactive and caring nature. Now, he makes it his mission to check in daily with the administrative team, ensuring they are in good spirits and well-supported. His commitment to nurturing these relationships highlights his remarkable spirit and dedication to his school community.

Since Forrest was attending a new school, his mother offered to come to his class and explain to the other students why her son was in a wheelchair. He declined her offer, saying he could handle it – and he did. Naturally, students were curious. They asked questions, he answered them, and they went on with their day. Nothing more about Forrest and his “car.” 

“I’m turning seven,” said Forrest. “That’s old enough to answer questions from people.”

In just a few weeks, Forrest has become a beacon of light at Memminger. His favorite subject is math, and he looks forward to participating in the IB Club at school. He has made lots of new friends at Memminger and says he knows almost everyone there. Most importantly, he does everything his peers do, seemingly without difficulty or struggle. He is a determined young man who sets an example for those around him.

The same holds true in his neighborhood. Forrest surfs, plays baseball with The Miracle League, takes DJ lessons, and rides horses at Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding. Forrest hopes to play baseball and maybe rugby so he can be active year-round. In his spare time, Forrest likes hiking and reading. When Forrest grows up, he wants to be a police officer.

“He makes everyone feel very comfortable,’ said Memminger’s Interim Principal Cherie Wash. “His ability to adapt is incredible because he doesn't know any other way. He reminds us that there are extraordinary people in this world, and Forrest reminds us of what is important.”

“I knew everything was going to work out,” Forrest, with his positive attitude, was right. His outlook on life is part of what drives his overall success.

“God made me like this,” said Forrest. “We don’t know why, but I’m not letting anything hold me back.”

 

 

CCSD is thrilled to share inspiring stories of student success, courage, and triumph that embody the spirit of the district. Please enjoy the following example of the Heart of Our Work. 

Shavanni Scott (Vonni) stands before the football crowds this season as a Baptist Hill Bobcat cheerleader – proof that dreams can come true with persistence and acceptance. Vonni is a 20-year-old autistic student in the exceptional students’ program. 

Vonni will age out of the Charleston County School District system this year, so celebrating her last school year as a cheer team member and legacy is a dream come true made possible by Athletic Director Marion Brown, Principal Jason Drayton, and Coach Deanna “Bach” Bachelor.

Her mother Anietra Harper said her heart was “so full” the first Friday night of football season when she watched her daughter cheer for the first time on the field as a member of the cheerleading squad after spending years cheering with fans from the stands. 

“There is room for people like Vonni in all spaces,” said Harper. 

Vonni had shown great excitement about going to practice and being with her teammates, but nothing prepared Harper for what she witnessed that first game.

“She had a blast,” said Harper. “She did every cheer to the best of her abilities. She cheered her heart out. I am forever grateful to everyone who helped make this happen.”

Harper cried tears of joy when she tucked Vonni in that night after the first game. She listened as her daughter said her prayers, asking blessings for her family, her cheerleading coach, her friends, Baptist Hill, and the Bobcats.

Harper has consistently advocated for acceptance for her daughter, and that included asking the coach to allow Vonni to participate on the team.

“In a perfect world, of course, we’re all supposed to be nice, but we don't live in a perfect world,” said Harper. “These girls understand the importance of inclusion. I can’t give Vonni inclusion; I can only advocate for it and put her in a place to receive it. This community has surrounded her with love.”

Coach Bachelor didn’t think twice when she received the request.

“The Bobcat community knows Vonni and her family, and the team was excited to welcome her as a cheer sister,” said Cach Bachelor. “In doing so, the girls have learned a lot about autism.”

Harper attended the team’s first practice and introduced Vonni to the team. They talked about autism, and the girls asked questions. They then got to work and learned the cheers, chants, and routines. They took turns doing each other’s hair and helped each other adjust their uniforms and fluff their pom poms.

The girls don’t think their acceptance of Vonni is a big deal. Her teammates echo each other’s sentiments when they describe Vonni’s big personality and sweet nature. They don’t see her as anything but a creative, unique, kindhearted person they are proud to call a teammate.

“She is one of us,” said Haven, another member of the cheerleading squad.

“I feel good that we’re learning about something we knew very little about, and we’re setting an example for the teams that come behind us,” said Destiny, another Baptist Hill cheerleader.

Her mother has witnessed many positive changes in Vonni from being a member of the cheerleading team.

“Just in the last few months, Vonni has matured so much,” said Harper. “She is modeling neurotypical teenagers, and the meltdowns and stemming associated with autism have decreased tremendously. She calls the girls her ‘friends.’ Vonni has never said that in all of her 20 years.”

For the rest of football and basketball seasons, Vonni will stroll among her teammates, pom poms in hand, cheering on the Bobcats team because her cheer sisters have empowered her. Harper hopes the girls look back on this time and know that they made a difference.

“I have devoted my life to giving Vonni a great life,” said Harper. “This makes it all worth it.”