Richland Two Board champions its own
By John Dixon

Forest Lake Elementary School's assistant principal, Christopher Dickey, gives his support to Jay Price

The cafeteria at Windsor Elementary was packed on Tuesday night, April 21, 2008. The Richland Two Board was meeting in an executive session in the library as the cafeteria filled with parents and community members attending the public session of the Board Meeting.

Those assembled came to watch Windsor's second graders perform and to see a long list of special recognitions bestowed upon Richland Two faculty, staff, and students. Spring Valley's Air- force ROTC Drill Team was recognized for winning their 23rd consecutive title. Schools and faculties were recognized for winning Palmetto Gold and Silver Awards and numerous high school students were recognized for perfect or near perfect scores on the SAT and ACT, Service Learning honors, scholarships and achievements in the fine arts.

The youngest student honored was SCSHA Ambassador Jay Price. Sen. Joel Lourie read aloud a Senate proclamation congratulating Jay for being chosen 2008 SCSHA Ambassador.

Jay Price and his sister Anna with Sen. Joel Lourie

Lourie praised Price's achievements, presented him and his family with a framed copy of the resolution and shared snippets of Price's life with those assembled.

Windsor principal, Eric Jeffcoat was proud but not surprised that one of his former students had done so well. Jeffcoat commented, "This is part of what is so great about working and learning in Richland Two. In Richland Two we provide the opportunity for all of our students to achieve no matter what their special needs and abilities may be."

Price was chosen as the 2008 South Carolina Speech and Hearing Association Ambassador in February. Price, who listens with a cochlear implant, lives with his parents, Robin and Scott Price, and his sister Anna in Northeast Columbia. He and his family have worked tirelessly to share the message that early identification and quality early intervention make a huge difference in the life of a child with hearing loss.