The Greater Irmo Chamber of Commerce has named Chris Austin and Ariya Sharpe as its Teacher and Student of the Month.
“Chris Austin is a fourth-grade teacher who is constantly thinking of new and innovative ways to get his students to think differently,” STEAM Coach Kimberly Parker said. “He runs our school gardening program and started a ‘seed to fitness’ project. He teaches the students where food comes from and what healthy food looks like. He also runs a fabulous after-school running club that has grown tremendously over the past few years and is very popular with the students. We are proud to have him at Leaphart Elementary School.”
Austin praised this month’s student honoree, Ariya Sharpe.
“Ariya Sharpe is always smiling and very polite. She is a phenomenal student who follows the three Rs at Leaphart Elementary: Respectful, Responsible and Ready to Learn,” Austin said. “She is always ready to learn and completes all assignments on time. She is a great teammate and encourages those around her to be the best they can be. She is a pleasure to teach.”
