The School District of Pickens County (SDPC) proudly announced the winners of its top honors for the 2025-2026 school year at the annual Support Employee and Teacher of the Year Banquet, held on August 19. The evening celebrated outstanding educators and staff from across the district, culminating in the recognition of Elizabeth Gunnels as District Teacher of the Year and April Heard as District Support Employee of the Year.
Elizabeth Gunnels - District Teacher of the Year
Pictured L-R: Board Chair Randy Robinson, Ashley Butler (2024-25 District Teacher of the Year), Elizabeth Gunnels (2025-26 District Teacher of the Year), and Superintendent Dr. Danny Merck
Elizabeth Gunnels, a fifth-grade teacher at Liberty Elementary, was selected as the 2025-2026 SDPC Teacher of the Year. Known for her blend of rigorous academics and compassionate teaching, Mrs. Gunnels fosters belonging in her classroom through creative traditions like "learning ladders" and her signature "CELEBRATE button."
Her motto - "Once a Gunnels kid, always a Gunnels kid" - is a promise of lasting encouragement and support. Superintendent Dr. Danny Merck praised her impact, saying, "Her ability to combine high expectations with deep care for her students make a lasting impact. She is a shining example of how great teaching transforms lives."
Gunnels, who has taught for 11 years, also sponsors Liberty Elementary's Beta Club, mentors new teachers, and leads family engagement efforts. She was chosen from among 26 school-level honorees.
You can read more about Elizabeth Gunnels here: Elizabeth Gunnels Press Release
District finalists for SDPC Teacher of the Year included:
Lindsey Douglas, Daniel High School
Cullen Finley, Clemson Elementary School
Shannon Wood, Easley High School
Take a peek inside their classrooms here: Celebrating Excellence: Meet the Finalists for 2025 SDPC Teacher of the Year
April Heard - District Support Employee of the Year
Pictured L-R: Board Chair Randy Robinson, Mou Rangaraju (2024-25 District Support Employee of the Year), April Heard (2025-26 District Support Employee of the Year), and Superintendent Dr. Danny Merck
April Heard, Administrative Assistant for SDPC Transportation, was honored as the 2025-2026 Support Employee of the Year. Since joining SDPC in 2008 as a bus driver, Heard has advanced through several leadership roles, giving her deep knowledge of every aspect of transportation. In her current role, she manages payroll for more than 100 employees, oversees field trip logistics, and supports parents and schools with student safety.
Her colleagues describe her as the "voice of calm and professionalism" on the bus radio, always willing to step in beyond her job description - including personally rescuing stranded students during a bus incident last spring. "She is the glue that holds our transportation system together," said Aaron Boyles, Coordinator of Transportation.
You can read more about April Heard here: April Heard Press Release
District finalists for SDPC Support Employee of the Year included:
Carolyn Langston, Central Academy of the Arts
Tara McCollum, Clemson Elementary School
Tim Sheppard, Pickens High School
Step inside their classrooms and workspaces here: Celebrating Excellence: Meet the Finalists for 2025 SDPC Support Employee of the Year
Celebrating Excellence Across the District
The banquet, sponsored by Peach State Credit Union, recognized 26 Teachers of the Year and 34 Support Employees of the Year from schools and departments across SDPC. Each site honoree received a $100 bonus from the district. Finalists in both categories earned a $750 bonus.
As district winners, Mrs. Gunnels received a $1,500 bonus plus a $500 award from Peach State Credit Union, while Mrs. Heard received a $1,500 bonus along with a $250 award from Peach State Credit Union.
To see the full list of Teachers and Support Employees of the Year for all of our sites, click below:
We are proud of these outstanding leaders that go above and beyond to support students, families, and colleagues every day in SDPC.
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