USCA School of Ed alums’ stars shining in area classrooms

USCA’s School of Education congratulates alumni who have been nominated for Aiken County Public School District’s 2025-2026 First Year Teacher of the Year honors. 

“We’re proud of our School of Education graduates and the meaningful work they’re already doing in Aiken County,” said Dr. David Buckman, dean of the School of Education. 

“Their nominations speak to their promising careers and all the children who will be impacted. It’s promising to know the future of education is guided by educators like them.” 

Each year, ACPSD recognizes excellence in their classrooms through the STARS of Education awards program. First Year Teachers of the Year are nominated by their peers, mentors and school leadership. The nomination form indicates nominees have “the superior ability to impart knowledge to students and inspire them with a love of learning.” 

The school district will announce its selection for the First Year Teacher and Teacher of the Year in March. 

USCA alumni nominated for Aiken County Public School District’s First Year Teacher of the Year include: 

Emily Holdman, Aiken Elementary School, USCA ‘25 

“If I could give any advice to future educators in the USCA School of Education, it would be this: ask questions, stay curious, and take good notes during practicum and student-teaching. Those moments in real classrooms are where everything starts to come together.” 

Hayden Beck, Belvedere Elementary School, USCA ‘25

“USCA set me up for success in a myriad of ways. One of the most impactful aspects of my experience was the amount of time I spent in real classrooms across multiple schools. By the time I began my first year of teaching, I had already observed and worked with a wide range of classroom environments, student behaviors, and instructional styles.”

Katherine McBride, Gloverville Elementary School, USCA ‘25 

“I entered the field with confidence because USCA taught me how to approach instruction with purpose, how to build meaningful relationships with students, and how to view learning through the eyes of the child. My professors modeled compassion, resilience, and high expectations, the same traits I now strive to bring into my first-grade classroom every day.” 

Alexis Kneece, Greendale, Elementary School, USCA ‘24 

“For students at USCA now who are pursuing this career, it is a lot of hard work and it does take a lot of time, but every special moment where there is a connection between you and a child, or their eyes light up in the midst of a ‘gotcha moment,’ it truly outshines the kinds of days where you question if you’re doing enough.” 

McKenzie Guest, Mossy Creek Elementary School, USCA ‘25

“My classroom management class made me truly think about a ton of expectations, which is imperative for my students to know what I expect of them. However, the best lesson I learned would be different ways to make connections with my students. I have always been a relationship-focused teacher, but throughout all of my education classes, they talked about different ways to help keep good relationships with students.” 

Alee Ashe, North Augusta Elementary School, USCA ‘25 

“USCA set me up for success by giving me the perfect mix of knowledge, confidence, and the ability to function on caffeine and deadlines. They prepared me for anything: lesson plans, leadership, and even those ‘surprise’ fire drills right when your class finally settles down.” 

Derek Rhodes, North Augusta High School, USCA ‘24, first-generation, transfer student 

“While at USCA, I got to meet some of the most amazing professors and have some of the most fantastic opportunities that I feel truly helped me become a more rounded individual and be a successful teacher.” 

For more information, contact us at news@usca.edu.