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Board recognizes student champions, librarian of the year and school programs
Summary
At its April 13 meeting, the Okone County School Board honored Wajala High School's girls basketball team for a second straight state title, celebrated the wrestling program's fifth consecutive state championship, recognized Synica Middle School librarian Cassie Moore as South Carolina School Librarian of the Year, and heard presentations on literacy and career-preparation programs at North Side and Synica Middle schools.
Okone County — The Okone County School Board used the opening portion of its April 13 meeting to spotlight students and staff across the district.
Miss Jennifer Crawford and Coach Byron Winfrey led recognition of Wajala High School's girls basketball team for winning back-to-back state championships. Crawford thanked the board and district leadership for program support; Winfrey, introduced as South Carolina girls basketball coach of the year, described community support and the season's emotional finish.
The board also acknowledged the district's five-time defending state champion wrestling program. Coach Strobble and staff noted the team finished the season 33–1, produced multiple state placers and champions, and fielded roughly a 31-player JV/varsity roster across sports participation.
Synica Middle School librarian Cassie Moore was recognized as the 2026 School Librarian of the Year by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians. Board members highlighted Moore's leadership, grant-supported ebooks and audio resources, and student engagement initiatives.
North Side Elementary principal Charlotte Ker described school programs such as 'Phonics Fun' (a structured literacy, multi-sensory initiative) and a Peer Buddies inclusion program that drew more than 60 applications for roughly 32 slots. Ker reported more than 25 first-graders at or above the 90th percentile on a targeted assessment and emphasized community partnerships that support inclusion and career-awareness activities.
Synica Middle School leaders and Dr. Corey reported academic and arts gains: English proficiency at its highest in nine years, science performance its best in six years, and multiple music/arts programs receiving superior ratings. Staff also reported 331 middle-school students earned high-school credit last year (unduplicated count), and guidance staff organized 348 job-shadowing experiences supported by local employers and nontraditional career guests.
The board thanked staff and coaches for their contributions before moving into regular business.
