Home News MAGNET LEAD TEACHER AND SUPERINTENDENT WIN AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION AWARDS

MAGNET LEAD TEACHER AND SUPERINTENDENT WIN AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION AWARDS

9/22/2022

The American Heart Association has announced Richland School District Two has two winners of its American Heart Challenge (AHC) Awards. Summit Parkway Middle School Magnet Lead Teacher Betsy Dew was named the National Outstanding American Heart Challenge Coordinator. Richland Two Superintendent Dr. Baron R. Davis has been named the Administrator of the Year.

Kimberly Dixon, Vice President of the Youth Market for the American Heart Association nominated both winners. Dixon says she has worked with volunteers for over 19 years and has met very few who can hold a candle to Betsy Dew.

“Betsy is that dream coordinator we all treasure working with and want to place at every school. She is passionate about fitness and shares that passion with her students and faculty. Through her leadership, commitment and constant pursuit of excellence, Betsy led Summit Parkway Middle to being the #1 AHC school in South Carolina raising over $12,852. Her efforts also placed them in the Top 20 AHC schools in the nation,” said Dixon.

“As a physical educator and Get Fit magnet lead, it is my passion to guide others to find joy in movement, encourage healthy habits and support heart health. It is an honor to serve as coordinator for Principal April Shell, Summit Parkway, Richland 2 and the American Heart Association to bring heart health awareness and advocacy to our Eagle students, parents, staff and community,” said Dew.

Dr. Davis earned the title of Administrator of the Year for his advocacy of the importance of good heart health. Dr. Davis was the co-chair of this year’s Midlands Heart Walk and was responsible for bringing in over $152-thousand new dollars to the American Heart Association through his influence, according to Dixon.

“Through his leadership, most schools in Richland Two and district office employees participated in the AHC and Kids Heart Challenge. Additionally, with his help, we were able to bring on Fairfield, Lexington 2 and Newberry County school districts that brought an additional $42,000 to our organization,” Dixon said.

In his acceptance of the award, Dr. Davis said, “This is a great honor for me to receive this award, and I proudly share it with the district I serve. Heart disease hits very close to home for so many of our families, and I hope our small contribution will help pave the way for continued progress in fighting heart disease.”

The awards were presented during a virtual ceremony Tuesday, September 20, 2022.