Spartanburg District 2
Making A Difference For Students Every Day.
Each Friday during the school year we enjoy celebrating a #D2DifferenceMaker. That person is selected from nominations submitted by students, coworkers, and community members.
At our Welcome Back Convocation, Bus Driver Lamar McAbee was celebrated as our 2026-27 Difference Maker of the Year!
"I was stunned," McAbee said after the event. "I've been fighting back tears since I got this. And I'm thinking about the people that make this possible for me. Number one, the kids, they're the drivers behind it."
At our gathering, Mr. McAbee received a well-deserved spotlight and a check for $1000 courtesy of our friends and partners in education Corwin!
"This is shared," McAbee said in regards to the award as he gave credit to his fellow drivers. "I'm representing District 2 Transportation. Although my name is on the trophy, this is a shared award. This is a shared recognition."
At our Welcome Back Convocation, Bus Driver Lamar McAbee was celebrated as our 2026-27 Difference Maker of the Year!
"I was stunned," McAbee said after the event. "I've been fighting back tears since I got this. And I'm thinking about the people that make this possible for me. Number one, the kids, they're the drivers behind it."
At our gathering, Mr. McAbee received a well-deserved spotlight and a check for $1000 courtesy of our friends and partners in education Corwin!
"This is shared," McAbee said in regards to the award as he gave credit to his fellow drivers. "I'm representing District 2 Transportation. Although my name is on the trophy, this is a shared award. This is a shared recognition."
Congratulations to our 2026-27 Ambassador of the Year Linda Batson from Chesnee Middle School! #D2DifferenceMaker
"I was just so happy," Batson said about being selected for this award that celebrates a Support Staff Team Member. "I want to thank everybody here at Chesnee Middle. They're my family, and they really care about me."
At our Welcome Back Convocation, Mrs. Batson was presented with a check for $2,000 courtesy of our community partner Founders Federal Credit Union !
As she fought back tears of joy, Batson thanked the kind people at Founders for their generosity, and, again, praised her colleagues at CMS.
"We look out for one another and take care of one another. Nobody goes without. If you need something, they're there." #D2isFamily
"I was just so happy," Batson said about being selected for this award that celebrates a Support Staff Team Member. "I want to thank everybody here at Chesnee Middle. They're my family, and they really care about me."
At our Welcome Back Convocation, Mrs. Batson was presented with a check for $2,000 courtesy of our community partner Founders Federal Credit Union !
As she fought back tears of joy, Batson thanked the kind people at Founders for their generosity, and, again, praised her colleagues at CMS.
"We look out for one another and take care of one another. Nobody goes without. If you need something, they're there." #D2isFamily
Congratulations to our 2026-27 Rookie Teacher of the Year Emily Hartzog!
"I'm honored and grateful," Hartzog said of the recognition. "I'm thankful that the Lord has brought me here and put me with the right people and with the right team and support."
At our Welcome Back Convocation, Ms. Hartzog, a 3rd grade teacher at Oakland Elementary School, was presented with a check for $600 courtesy of our community partner Jostens - CCS !
Additionally, her Teacher Mentor at OES, Kimberly Barnette, was recognized at our gathering. Both Ms. Hartzog and Mrs. Barnette received $250 in class room supplies as part of the celebration in their honor.
"I want to thank her for being patient with me, kind to me every step of the way, and for guiding me in the right direction." Hartzog said of her mentor, fellow educator, and friend. "I love her."
#D2DifferenceMaker #D2isFamily
"I'm honored and grateful," Hartzog said of the recognition. "I'm thankful that the Lord has brought me here and put me with the right people and with the right team and support."
At our Welcome Back Convocation, Ms. Hartzog, a 3rd grade teacher at Oakland Elementary School, was presented with a check for $600 courtesy of our community partner Jostens - CCS !
Additionally, her Teacher Mentor at OES, Kimberly Barnette, was recognized at our gathering. Both Ms. Hartzog and Mrs. Barnette received $250 in class room supplies as part of the celebration in their honor.
"I want to thank her for being patient with me, kind to me every step of the way, and for guiding me in the right direction." Hartzog said of her mentor, fellow educator, and friend. "I love her."
#D2DifferenceMaker #D2isFamily
Congratulations to our 2026-27 Spartanburg School District 2 Teacher of the Year Megan Coffey from Chesnee High School. Mrs. Coffey is an English Teacher at CHS.
"I was shocked to hear my name, because there was some very tough competition," Coffey said. "I was up against some really strong educators, so I'm very grateful."
Mrs. Coffey received the recognition at our Welcome Back Convocation. Thanks to our community partners at Thompson Turner Construction, she also received a check for $4,500 at the event.
"My students," Coffey quickly answered when asked what drives her to excel. "And then trying to refine my practice so that I can best serve them."
Mrs. Coffey took the opportunity to use her spotlight on this special day to encourage others that are considering a career in education.
"You really just don't know how fulfilling it is until you come and experience the classroom. Until you experience those kids having success. Experience those overall success stories," she said. "I work in the high school environment where I get to see kids move from childhood to adulthood, and that is just so rewarding. It is just the greatest blessing that I've ever received."
#D2DifferenceMakers
"I was shocked to hear my name, because there was some very tough competition," Coffey said. "I was up against some really strong educators, so I'm very grateful."
Mrs. Coffey received the recognition at our Welcome Back Convocation. Thanks to our community partners at Thompson Turner Construction, she also received a check for $4,500 at the event.
"My students," Coffey quickly answered when asked what drives her to excel. "And then trying to refine my practice so that I can best serve them."
Mrs. Coffey took the opportunity to use her spotlight on this special day to encourage others that are considering a career in education.
"You really just don't know how fulfilling it is until you come and experience the classroom. Until you experience those kids having success. Experience those overall success stories," she said. "I work in the high school environment where I get to see kids move from childhood to adulthood, and that is just so rewarding. It is just the greatest blessing that I've ever received."
#D2DifferenceMakers
***Teacher of the Year Spotlight***
Join us in congratulating the Chesnee Middle School 2026-27 Teacher of the Year Heather Thigpen-Worthy! #D2DifferenceMaker
https://youtu.be/QlGrSMG--Pw
Join us in congratulating the Chesnee Middle School 2026-27 Teacher of the Year Heather Thigpen-Worthy! #D2DifferenceMaker
https://youtu.be/QlGrSMG--Pw
***Teacher of the Year Spotlight***
Join us in congratulating the Rainbow Lake Middle School 2026-27 Teacher of the Year Bryce Wille! #D2DifferenceMaker
https://youtu.be/eizAEQzsxE4
Join us in congratulating the Rainbow Lake Middle School 2026-27 Teacher of the Year Bryce Wille! #D2DifferenceMaker
https://youtu.be/eizAEQzsxE4
***Teacher of the Year Spotlight***
Join us in congratulating the Mayo Elementary School 2026-27 Teacher of the Year Breanna Sturgill! #D2DifferenceMaker
https://youtu.be/AALV-21tqME
Join us in congratulating the Mayo Elementary School 2026-27 Teacher of the Year Breanna Sturgill! #D2DifferenceMaker
https://youtu.be/AALV-21tqME
***Teacher of the Year Spotlight***
Join us in congratulating the Carlisle-Foster's Grove Elementary School 2026-27 Teacher of the Year Samantha Rodriguez!
https://youtu.be/qfd9YtsrYEs
Join us in congratulating the Carlisle-Foster's Grove Elementary School 2026-27 Teacher of the Year Samantha Rodriguez!
https://youtu.be/qfd9YtsrYEs
***Teacher of the Year Spotlight***
Join us in congratulating the Shoally Creek Elementary 2026-27 Teacher of the Year Sergi Ribera Quixal! #D2DifferenceMaker
https://youtu.be/Joqf5G3hVR0
Join us in congratulating the Shoally Creek Elementary 2026-27 Teacher of the Year Sergi Ribera Quixal! #D2DifferenceMaker
https://youtu.be/Joqf5G3hVR0
Congratulations Mrs. Bonasia! #D2DifferenceMaker
https://www.goupstate.com/story/news/education/2026/07/24/meet-the-ingles-spartanburg-herald-journal-amazing-teacher-misty-bonasia/90702019007/
https://www.goupstate.com/story/news/education/2026/07/24/meet-the-ingles-spartanburg-herald-journal-amazing-teacher-misty-bonasia/90702019007/
Join us in congratulating the Oakland Elementary 2026-27 Teacher of the Year Cayla Perry! #D2DifferenceMaker
https://youtu.be/9KxAvn79HAk
https://youtu.be/9KxAvn79HAk
Join us in congratulating the Boiling Springs Elementary School 2026-27 Teacher of the Year Necole Miller! #D2DifferenceMaker
https://youtu.be/HGFnCupUbR8
https://youtu.be/HGFnCupUbR8
For the coming school year, two very familiar faces in our district will be serving in new roles. Please join us in congratulating Jennifer Lee and Jeremy Baughman on their new appointments as assistant principals. Mrs. Lee will continue to serve students at Boiling Springs High School, where, most recently, she was a CATE Teacher. Mr. Baughman will be moving from teaching PLTW at Chesnee Middle to his new position at Cooley Springs-Fingerville Elementary. There is no doubt that these two wonderful educators will also be fantastic administrators. #D2DifferenceMakers
D2 Team Members Receive Life-Saving Training
There is no doubt that the safety and well-being of our students is the top priority in D2. With that in mind, our faculty and staff have been receiving CPR training throughout the summer. Our Nursing Director, Christy Lockhart, has been heading up the initiative.
“We offer the class for coaches, especially because they are required to be trained, but is also available to staff and teachers,” Lockhart said. “Each of our buildings likes to have first responders to assist in case of an emergency. In fact, schools try to have at least 2 people per hallway.”
Those that take the training earn a CPR certification while learning about the signs of distress, chest compressions, how to use AEDs (found in all of our buildings), and much more.
“It does my heart good to know that you don't have to be a medical professional, to be willing to help in an emergency. Just your willingness to respond in an emergency is great.”
Lockhart said the desire for so many D2 Team Members to be trained should tell our community a lot about how much we love our students.
“I think that should give them peace of mind to know that in any type emergency, there are people willing and trained to jump in.” #D2DifferenceMakers
Join us in congratulating the Boiling Springs High School 2026-27 Teacher of the Year Amanda Keith #D2DifferenceMaker
https://youtu.be/npFDgr_1KF8
https://youtu.be/npFDgr_1KF8
Join us in congratulating the Hendrix Elementary School 2026-27 Teacher of the Year Alexandra Hurwitz #D2DifferenceMaker
Our Boiling Springs Middle School Bulldogs represented their school and D2 so well at the Beta Nationals! #2sGotTalent
"We spent June 23-26 in Nashville, TN competing in sculpture, colored photography, living literature (state champs), and 7th grade Spanish. In order to be eligible to compete at Nationals you must come in 1st-3rd place at state," said BSMS Beta Club sponsor and ML Teacher Evangeline English. "We took 8 students and 9 competed. We are super proud of the hard work and determination it took to get to Nationals. Alyssa Arenas-Vitela came in 8th in the Nation for Spanish 7th grade academics. We are so proud of her accomplishment!"
Students who attended:
Aaron Pierce
Tristan Wells
Tayce Reese
Austin Martin
Alyssa Arena- Vitela
Elliott Harrison
Alba Phin
Ellison Sistare
Savannah Brown
"We spent June 23-26 in Nashville, TN competing in sculpture, colored photography, living literature (state champs), and 7th grade Spanish. In order to be eligible to compete at Nationals you must come in 1st-3rd place at state," said BSMS Beta Club sponsor and ML Teacher Evangeline English. "We took 8 students and 9 competed. We are super proud of the hard work and determination it took to get to Nationals. Alyssa Arenas-Vitela came in 8th in the Nation for Spanish 7th grade academics. We are so proud of her accomplishment!"
Students who attended:
Aaron Pierce
Tristan Wells
Tayce Reese
Austin Martin
Alyssa Arena- Vitela
Elliott Harrison
Alba Phin
Ellison Sistare
Savannah Brown
***Teacher of the Year Spotlight***
Join us in congratulating the Sugar Ridge Elementary School 2026-27 Teacher of the Year Andrea Hipps! #D2DifferenceMaker
https://youtu.be/7fc1ns16X34
Join us in congratulating the Sugar Ridge Elementary School 2026-27 Teacher of the Year Andrea Hipps! #D2DifferenceMaker
https://youtu.be/7fc1ns16X34
Sawyer Hames is one happy camper after a very special moment with his football hero!
Sawyer is a huge fan of Chesnee High QB Evan-Reece Lawter. Naturally, when he saw the QB at football camp he had to say something. So, he complimented his cleats.
Unexpectedly, Evan-Reece took the cleats off, signed them, and gave them to Sawyer! #D2isFamily #D2DifferenceMaker
Sawyer's mom says her son is coming off of a little league championship season and loves the game of football so much. Undoubtedly, this experience will only magnify those feelings, especially since Evan-Reece wrote "Ball out Sawyer" on the special cleats! #2sGotTalent
Sawyer is a huge fan of Chesnee High QB Evan-Reece Lawter. Naturally, when he saw the QB at football camp he had to say something. So, he complimented his cleats.
Unexpectedly, Evan-Reece took the cleats off, signed them, and gave them to Sawyer! #D2isFamily #D2DifferenceMaker
Sawyer's mom says her son is coming off of a little league championship season and loves the game of football so much. Undoubtedly, this experience will only magnify those feelings, especially since Evan-Reece wrote "Ball out Sawyer" on the special cleats! #2sGotTalent
***Teacher of the Year Spotlight***
Join us in congratulating the Boiling Springs Middle School 2026-27 Teacher of the Year Brandon Hill! #D2DifferenceMaker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9QyZYQeCyg
Join us in congratulating the Boiling Springs Middle School 2026-27 Teacher of the Year Brandon Hill! #D2DifferenceMaker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9QyZYQeCyg
