Lexington Two announced its Rookie Teachers of the Year Tuesday during a Luau-themed celebration for first-year teachers and their school mentors.
Among the 59 Lexington Two induction teachers in the 2025-2026 school year, those recognized as Rookie Teachers of the Year are:
Early Childhood: Mary Kammes, 1st grade immersion teacher, Riverbank Elementary School
Elementary: Presley Harbert, 3rd grade teacher, Congaree Elementary School
Middle: Joshua Bridges, social studies teacher, Pine Ridge Middle School
High: Emma McInnes, chemistry teacher, Brookland-Cayce High School
District Rookie Teacher of the Year: Brittany Broxton, 1st grade teacher, Wood Elementary School
"Support is key to helping our newest Lexington Two teachers become successful in the classroom,” said Interim Chief Human Resources Officer Stephanie Hucks, whose department oversees the induction program. “Our Lexington Two Induction and Mentor program provides high quality support for our induction teachers, giving them mentorship, guidance, and professional development. This program reflects our commitment to ensure that our new teachers feel prepared, supported, and are ready to make a positive impact from the start."
Rookie Teachers of the Year are nominated by their principals based on their professionalism in the classroom and in meeting the needs of their Lexington Two students.
Lexington Two’s outgoing District Rookie Teacher of the Year, Catherine Quarles of Riverbank Elementary School, is a finalist for the state’s SC ASCD Induction Teacher of the Year, which will be announced later this month.