pus completed on the north side of Mount Pleasant in 2004, was cited as the National Secondary School Principal of the Year in 2010. Rep- resenting her colleagues across the country, she has visited Congress and the White House, traveled to China and spoken at several education- related events throughout the United States. She insisted, however, that the national honor belongs not to her alone, but to Wando High School and the people of Mount Pleasant. “It’s not about me. I was recognized on behalf of the students, parents, staff and community of Mount Pleasant. I received this recognition because of their good work,” she commented. “I had an opportunity I never dreamed of based on the work of all the wonderful people here at Wando.” Beckham played an important role in putting together the team of 215 teachers, nine assistant principals and 12 guidance counselors who serve the educational needs of Wando’s ever-growing student population.
Wando High
School has won trophies and
awards for many sports, activities and academic endeavors.
She said she doesn’t take the recruit- ment aspect of her position lightly. “Part of my job is to find the best teachers, staff and counselors in America,” she said. “I’ve been very good at hiring. We are blessed to have a wonderful faculty and staff, a supportive parent group and a great relationship with the town of Mount Pleasant. Tey are all fo- cused on the kids. Tis community is focused on kids.” Te partnership between the school and the town has spawned benefits for both. For example, in exchange for the use of the base- ball fields at the old Wando site, Mount Pleasant put $600,000 into a performing arts center at the new school. In addition, the Police De- partment has assigned four officers to the high school, and the school district works closely with the town’s Recreation Department. “Te citizens of Mount Pleasant understand that excellent schools are important to our town,” Beckham commented. Beckham and her staff strive to maintain a level of excellence that not only draws potential Lowcountry homeowners to Mount Pleasant, but also prepares students for success once they leave Wando. Ninety per- cent of them continue their education beyond the 12th grade. “Every student needs a viable plan for what to do next, whether it’s go to col- lege to study engineer- ing or attend Trident Tech. High school used to be the finish line. It was possible with a high school diploma to get a job
Coeducational Independent School for Students with Learning Differences
30 Primary School field trip to Capers Island.
Multi-Sensory math lesson with Middle School students.
Grades K – 12 • Small Class Size
Individualized Orton-Gillingham Approach Outreach Tutorial Programs Athletics • Art • Music
Accredited by: SAIS, SACS, SCISA and AOGPE
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www.MountPleasantNeighborhoods.com 43
photo by Joel Cardwell
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