Two Lexington Two educators have been recognized with top finance awards.

Dr. Harmonica Hart has been named the SC Economics Teacher of the Year by the South Carolina Council on Economic Education. Dr. Hart, a middle level social studies instructor at New Bridge Academy, was recognized for her advocacy and commitment to teaching economics and personal finance to students. For two consecutive years, two of her eighth-graders were surprised in their classrooms for winning first place among South Carolina middle schoolers for essays on long-term investment/financial plans as part of the InvestWrite Competition. 

This time, it was Dr. Hart’s turn to be surprised, as all the middle school students at New Bridge gathered recently for the announcement, cheering her as news of the award was shared. Dr. Hart, who completed the council’s SC Financial Literacy Master Teacher Program, was honored at a luncheon this month.

Joyce Conyers has been named the Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union Youth Financial Educator of the Year.  Conyers, a Personal Finance and Fundamentals of Computing instructor at Brookland-Cayce High School, was recognized as an educator who goes above and beyond to bring financial education to her classroom.

“I believe financial education is important for young people, because exposure on how to handle money early can help them reach their goals and avoid the financial pitfalls that plague many adults,” Conyers said. “Students participating in a financial education class learn they do not have to earn a lot of money to budget, save, or have good credit.” Palmetto Citizens representatives surprised Conyers in her classroom with the award, which includes a $1,000 cash prize.

Both educators were recognized at the May 18 monthly meeting of the Lexington Two Board of Trustees.

Chandler Jordan, program director for SC Economics, presents the SC Economics Teacher of the Year award to Dr. Harmonica Hart.
Marcia Pierce, community relations assistant with Palmetto Citizens, presents the Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union Youth Financial Educator of the Year to Joyce Conyers.