Lexington School District Two announced today that Mr. Daniel Bailey, social studies teacher from Airport High School, has been named their 2017/18 District Teacher of the Year. Mr. Bailey has been an expert teacher, data team member, student government adviser and technology coach since his beginning his tenure at Lexington Two in January 2012.

Mr. Bailey began his career at Pine Ridge Middle School as a social studies teacher, and student government adviser.  In his first full year at Pine Ridge Middle, he was voted as their Teacher of the Year.  Mr. Bailey built a reputation as a technology integration specialist, and was a regular in leading staff development to share what he learned with others.

Under Mr. Bailey’s leadership, the Pine Ridge Middle School Student Council supported the SC Association of Student Councils Mission in developing student leadership, good citizenship, and cooperation among the Student Councils of the state.  Mr. Bailey deserves credit for establishing an exemplar Student Council for the state in the middle school programs division.

In recognition for his leadership, he was honored as the 2015 State Adviser of the Year.   Mr. Bailey then went on to be named the 2016 Warren E. Shull National Middle Level Adviser of the Year presented by the National Association of Student Councils.

In 2016, Mr. Bailey returned to teach at his Alma Mater, Airport High School.  Last year, he served Airport as the Early College Coordinator and Student Council Advisor.  This school year, Mr. Bailey also took on the role as their lead AVID teacher.

Mr. Bailey has always believed in two keys areas of leadership development, (1) a love of service, and (2) a need for commitment. He feels it important for the students to have a strong presence in both the school and community. While serving the school and the student body, it is important for student leaders to also be active members in helping to make the community a better place to live.

Mr. Bailey’s leadership and success in developing leaders has not gone unnoticed at the state level.  For the past four years, he has served as the coordinator and a workshop presenter at the South Carolina Association of Student Councils summer leadership camp.

At the 2017 SCASC State Convention, Airport High School was awarded first place in the category of fundraising for the annual Charity Drive.   The Airport Charity Drive for Camp Kemo was February 24- March 5th.  This annual fundraiser, which has been held by Airport High School for 23 years, partners with Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital and Camp Kemo.  Students, local businesses, parents, teachers, staff and administration all come together to support children suffering from childhood cancer.

Events such as Send-A-Pig, litter box, food fest, 3rd block throw-down, and daily dress- up days, and spirit nights at local restaurants all make up an exciting week for everyone to enjoy.   This year, over the week span of fundraising, Airport High School raised $50,031.67.    One hundred percent of the proceeds raised from this fundraiser will support over 50 kids going to camp in the summer.

Mr. Brad Coleman, Principal of Airport High School, said, “As his Principal at both Pine Ridge Middle School and Airport High School, I applaud Mr. Bailey for his organizational skills and attention to details to bring tasks to completion. His (Bailey’s) compassion and dedication for the student leaders creates a culture where all opportunities or challenges are always met with a positive attitude and a willingness to serve others.”