2 Midlands principals named best in SC at middle, high school level
Principals at two Midlands schools have been recognized as South Carolina’s best middle and high school principals of the year.
Gerald Gary, principal of Dutch Fork High School, was recognized as the state’s best secondary level principal Thursday with a surprise ceremony at the high school in Irmo. Gary has been principal at Dutch Fork since 2017.
The day before, David Basile of Pine Ridge Middle School was given the award as best middle level principal in the middle school’s media center, at a ceremony attended by Pine Ridge administrators and Basile’s family.
The recognitions are given out annually by the S.C. Association of School Administrators.
Gary was previously the principal next door at Dutch Fork Middle School for four years. He graduated from Francis Marion University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1998. He later earned a master’s in educational administration from the University of South Carolina in 2004 and a doctorate from Nova Southeastern University in 2007.
“He is an extraordinary leader who sets high academic standards for all students at Dutch Fork High School and has created a supportive family environment for students, parents, faculty, and staff,” Beth Phibbs, executive director of SCASA, said in giving Gary the award.
He taught eighth grade language arts at Blythewood Academy from 1999 to 2002, eventually becoming lead teacher at the academy. He went on to become an assistant principal at Summit Parkway Middle School and an elementary school principal in Kershaw County and at Columbia’s Leaphart Elementary.
“Dr. Gary is a proven leader who has made an impact on Dutch Fork High School and School District Five,” said Lexington-Richland 5 school district Superintendent Christina Melton. “Under his leadership, Dutch Fork High School has gained state and national recognition for academics, state awards in athletics and honors for both his students and staff.”
Since Gary became principal, Dutch Fork was named a Palmetto’s Finest School this past May.
Gary was also SCASA’s Middle Level Principal of the Year in 2017 when he was at Dutch Fork Middle.
“I am absolutely honored by this recognition,” Gary said. “For me this is a testament to what we have here at Dutch Fork, and there are no words to describe the absolute pride in our Fox family. I am thankful for the wonderful support of our entire community, and proud to represent them and principals across the entire state.”
Basile, meanwhile, began his teaching career at a California high school 36 years ago. He’s led Pine Ridge Middle in the Lexington 2 school district for the last five.
Basile said successful middle schools are places “where children are known by name and are appreciated for who they are as their unique individuality and talents are developed. It is also a place that parents and the community trust and where the staff feels supported.”
Earlier this year, Basile was named Principal of the Year by the S.C. Council for Exceptional Children.
“He is an innovative leader who has created a culture of excellence at Pine Ridge Middle School which is rooted in respect and a sense of fairness,” Phibbs said.
Basile said accepting the SCASA award was humbling.
“To me, it is a reflection of the people I work with. Without them and their support of our school vision, I can achieve very little,” Basile said. “They are the backbone behind this award. I can honestly say that being principal of Pine Ridge Middle School has brought me great joy and is a wonderful place to lead.”
After Wednesday morning’s ceremony, Basile took a lap around the Pine Ridge Middle hallways, to the cheers of students, teachers and staff.
“Dr. Basile is an outstanding leader who is most deserving of this honor,” said Lexington 2 Superintendent Dr. William B. James Jr. said. “We are grateful to have him here in Lexington 2.”
This story was originally published December 10, 2020 at 2:27 PM.
.jpg)