School District Five of Lexington & Richland Counties celebrated 72 first-year educators who participated in the district’s STARS (Supporting Teacher Advancement, Retention, and Success) induction program during a recognition ceremony held April 27, culminating with the announcement of the district’s Induction Teacher of the Year.
The district recognized Kelsey Manning, a fifth-grade teacher at Seven Oaks Elementary School, as the 2025-2026 Induction Teacher of the Year. Manning was selected from among the induction teachers who participated in the yearlong STARS program designed to support new educators as they begin their careers in the classroom.
“I’ve had the privilege of watching Kelsey grow from a student teacher into a confident educator and leader in our school,” Mentor Teacher Brooke Hill said. “She creates a welcoming, student-centered classroom where students feel safe and ready to learn, and she brings fresh ideas and positive energy to her work each day. Kelsey is a quiet but powerful force for positive change whose strong relationships with students and colleagues continue to strengthen our school community.”
In addition to the honor, four educators were recognized with Rising Star Awards. These teachers were identified through the selection process as individuals whose impact, presence, and potential stood out in remarkable ways. Their work reflects not only strong instructional practice, but also a trajectory that will continue to shape the profession in the years ahead.
The 2025-2026 Rising Star Award recipients included:
• McKenzie Lott, special education teacher at Chapin Middle School
• Bryson Cannon, social studies teacher at Dutch Fork Middle School
• Nia Mosley, sports medicine (CTE) teacher at Irmo High School
• McKenzie Smith, fourth-grade teacher at Oak Pointe Elementary School
The STARS induction program supports first-year teachers through mentoring, professional learning, collaboration opportunities, and ongoing guidance designed to strengthen instructional practice and promote long-term success in the classroom.
The April 27 celebration marked the final induction meeting of the year and highlighted the district’s continued commitment to supporting and recognizing early-career educators who are making a meaningful difference for students across School District Five.
“Supporting our teachers from the very beginning of their careers is essential to building strong schools and sustaining excellence across our district,” said Akil E. Ross Sr.. “Our STARS induction program plays a critical role in both recruiting outstanding educators and ensuring they feel supported, connected, and successful in School District Five. When we invest in our teachers, we strengthen retention and ultimately create better outcomes for our students and community.”
