Congratulations to Eli Frazier....our #D2DifferenceMaker of the Week! Below is what Teresa Gardner, his PLTW Teacher @BsmsBulldogs, shared about him. "Our BSMS Pack Principles begin with the letter “L“- Lift Others with Kindness. Eli demonstrates this daily as he unselfishly assists the student seated next to him. Eli recognizes that what comes easy to him, simply requires a little more time and effort for his classmate to also complete successfully. He offers assistance willingly and without any teacher prompting or complaint. Eli simply wants to see the joy that success brings his peer. We are each given different abilities, and Eli always makes sure his classmate's light shines just as bright as his each day. Such selfless kindness is why I think Eli is deserving of the Difference Maker spotlight, honor, and recognition."

Congratulations to our #D2DifferenceMaker of the Week Melina Van Den Heuvel from Carlisle-Foster's Grove Elementary. The heartfelt nomination below was sent in by the family of one of her students. #D2isFamily "I am proud of Mrs. V for the dedication, compassion, and love you show your student each day. Your commitment to his success, regardless of disability, and your consistent communication with his parents truly make a difference. Thank you for always going the extra mile to ensure he is supported, cared for, and striving for success."

There is something extra special about a #D2DifferenceMaker of the Week nomination that comes from one of our students. Below is what a Chesnee Middle student shared about her School Nurse Shannan Gottschalk! "My name is Amelia Garcia, and I'm a type one diabetic at Chesnee Middle School and Nurse Shannan helps me handle my diabetes so well. She is constantly advocating for my health and the other diabetics in my school. All students feel safe and comfortable going to her office and talking to her. She is someone that i know that i can always count on to be there for me. I love that nurse Shannan is there for my years at Chesnee Middle School." Visit the link below to nominate a student or staff member to be our Difference Maker of the Week. tinyurl.com/D2DifferenceMa…

Congratulations to our #D2DifferenceMaker of the Week, Courtney Brian, one of our awesome School Psychologists! Below is what Tanya Roberts, a 2nd Grade Teacher at Carlisle-Foster's Grove Elementary School, shared about her. "Courtney recently became our School Psychologist. She has been willing to listen to our concerns, address those needs and do her best to help our students. She is so kind and caring when she speaks to the parents. She does her best to explain everything to them. She has gone above and beyond to help my students and I am truly thankful for her!"

Congratulations to our #D2DifferenceMaker of the Week Sylas Moore from @RLMSgators ! Below is what his ELA Teacher Christina Evans shared about him. "Sylas is a phenomenal student who is always diligent and on task. Along with his willingness to ensure he is prepared, he also ensures his classmates are prepared. Recently, his classmate was without a bookbag and Sylas took the initiative to provide the student with one. Sylas excels both academically and socially in school. I am very proud of him!"

Congratulations to our #D2DifferenceMaker of the Week Ava Blackwell from @Chesnee_Eagles . She recently joined the list of Eagles that have earned the incredible distinction of being named SC State Beta Club President (Frankie Pruitt, Dalton Smith, Abby Scruggs, Delainey Henson, Veronda Crawford, Brittany Cash, Latesha McDowell). Below is what CHS @nationalbeta Sponsor Gregory Castillo shared about Ava. "I have had the pleasure of working with Ava for around three years now, and in that time, I have seen her grow into a phenomenal leader and role model for her peers. Because of her passion and leadership for the National Beta Club, Ava ran for, and was elected to be, our school Beta Club president for two terms and has just been elected as the 26-27 South Carolina Senior Beta Club President, a well-deserved honor. Ava is always taking the lead, and conducting herself with care and purpose. She is motivated and passionately dedicated to leadership and success, not just her own, but the success of those around her as well. Ava is truly a Difference Maker at CHS and in our community."

Congratulations to our #D2DifferenceMaker of the Week Athena Williams from Mayo Elementary School! This is what MES Asst. Principal Katherine Gantt shared about her. "Athena is one of our 5th grade students and this semester has been selected to have a morning job as a Falcon Patrol member. She helps in the front lobby greeting students and opening the door. She is such a kind soul and is friendly to everyone. On the 101st day of school she brought 101 hand drawn hearts and handed them to students as they entered the building so they would feel loved and welcomed. Throughout the school day, so many students could be heard talking about how fun and exciting it was to receive a sweet little token as they got to school. We are very lucky to have students that care about one another, and we are the luckiest to have Athena as a Difference Maker at Mayo Elementary."

We are so thankful to have incredible Teachers like Hendrix Elementary School's Maria Trejo in our classrooms! Mrs. Trejo was named the Palmetto State Literacy Association's Distinguished Elementary Teacher for Spartanburg County! #D2DifferenceMaker #2sGotTalent

Congratulations to our #D2DifferenceMaker of the Week Josh Hatchell, the Media Technology Teacher at the Swofford Career Center. Below is the wonderful nomination that was sent in for him. If you would like to nominate a student or staff member for this recognition, please visit tinyurl.com/D2DifferenceMa… "I am a parent that would like to nominate Mr. Hatchell as a D2 Difference Maker! My daughter is a senior at BSHS and asked if Mr. Hatchell would write her a letter of recommendation that she could submit to SCAD with her application. Mr. Hatchell was so prompt in accepting the task and wrote her the most uplifting, inspiring letter of recommendation. I was in awe and very emotional to see my daughter through his eyes! He detailed all her academic achievements, but also highlighted her attitude towards her classmates and the way she carries herself in his classroom. It didn’t take more than a few days after submitting his letter of recommendation for her to receive her admission letter to SCAD and every other college she is applying for! As a parent, I just couldn’t thank Mr. Hatchell enough for his kindness and support. I wanted to let him know that he is a Difference Maker to me and my family!"

Congratulations to our #D2DifferenceMaker of the Week Taylor Atkins from Oakland Elementary School. Below is what her friend and colleague, Carolyn Reece, shared about her. "Taylor is a ray of sunshine! She absolutely loves her job and it shows! I appreciate the way she loves on our students and faculty. She loves to give hugs and make you feel seen. If you run into her at the cafeteria or in the hallway, she will greet you with a warm smile and ask how you are. Taylor likes to bake us fun treats. It's a wonderful surprise for us to see her coming down the hallway with a tray full of goodies. Yum! Even her emails are encouraging and uplifting. Taylor spreads JOY everywhere she goes. I'm thankful she's a part of our Oakland Elementary School family!"

Congratulations to our #D2DifferenceMaker of the Week Elizabeth Moore, the bookkeeper at Carlisle-Foster's Grove Elementary School. Below is what her principal, Norman Mayfield, and a colleague, Jane Gee, shared about her. "Mrs. Moore consistently goes above and beyond to help our school run smoothly. She is always one step ahead, anticipating needs and supporting students, staff, and families with a positive attitude and a servant’s heart. Her genuine love for CFG is evident in everything she does—from the care she shows our students to the support she provides to staff members and families each day. We are truly blessed to have her as part of the CFG family, and we are grateful for the dedication, commitment, and heart she brings to our school.-Mrs. Mayfield" “Mrs. Moore is such an essential part of our team! She works hard to make our teachers’ jobs easier when it comes to collecting money. She is one of the most flexible people and eager to take on any role, from decorating for any event to taking on the huge task of yearbook. We are fortunate to have Mrs. Moore at CFG. -Mrs. Gee”

It is extra special when we receive a #D2DifferenceMaker of the Week nomination from a student. Bus Driver Lamar McAbee received several! Below are what two of his bus riders said about him. "Mr. McAbee takes his time out of his day everyday to drive the Scholars Academy students from USC Upstate to the high school! He makes an effort to learn our names and ensures we had a good day. Also, for Halloween and Christmas, he got us gifts/goodies, which is so sweet; he spent his hard-earned money on us. Mr. McAbee also makes an effort to learn our schedules and who will be on the bus that day." "Mr. McAbee is absolutely amazing and a great bus driver! He makes an effort to make sure we feel cared for. He learns all of our names and schedules to ensure no one gets left behind. And, he even made us all gift goodie bags for Halloween and Christmas! He is a shining light of positivity and makes our days better!" You can nominate a D2 Difference Maker at the link below. tinyurl.com/D2DifferenceMa…

Join us in congratulating our #D2DifferenceMaker of the Week Isabella Duque Meseguer from @RLMSgators . Here is what her math teacher Allison Stepp shared about her. "Isabella has gone above and beyond in helping a new friend. Isabella started helping her friend at the beginning of the year when they were in the same class for me. She helps with translating between Spanish and English math vocabulary for her. Isabella ended up moving into my honors class, but still makes an effort to check on her friend and help tutor her in the math that we are doing in class (even though she herself is learning something different). She advocates for her friend not only in math as I have seen her explain social studies and science to her as well. She helps out selflessly and this is why I feel she deserves to be recognized as a D2 Difference Maker."

Santa enjoyed visiting with hundreds of our D2 Students, Staff, and Community Members at our Christmas at Chesnee High School Event! #D2DifferenceMaker And as it turns out, all of them were on the nice list! These are just some of the pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. You can download/see the full resolution versions of all the photos at the link below. tinyurl.com/ChristmasCHS25 We look forward to continuing this wonderful new tradition @Chesnee_Eagles next year!

Congratulations to our #D2DifferenceMaker of the Week Harper Moore from Hendrix Elementary School. Below is what her creative movement teacher at HES, Dr. Ashlee Ratigan, shared about her. “I am pleased to nominate this student for recognition due to her exceptional character, leadership, and commitment to fostering an inclusive school community. She consistently demonstrates kindness toward peers who may be different or who need additional support, approaching every interaction with empathy and patience. As a member of the school’s dance team, she leads by example—encouraging others, celebrating their strengths, and helping teammates feel confident and successful. Her positive attitude and quiet leadership uplift those around her, making her a model of compassion and integrity within our school.”

Congratulations to our #D2DifferenceMaker of the Week Joshlyn Camby from Mayo Elementary School! Here is what her Teacher, Ms. McGuinn, and Assistant Principal, Mrs. Gantt, share about her. "While on a field trip to the Children's Museum of the Upstate, a parent of a child who is not a part of the trip approached one of our teachers asking which teacher had Joshlyn. The parent then went on to let Mrs. McGuinn know that she was a retired teacher and had never seen a child with such compassion, as Joshlyn took time out of her field trip to help this parent's child understand how to play in the center they were in. She was very appreciate of Joshlyn's help. We are so proud of our Fabulous Falcon for showing the D2 spirit of community while on a field trip!"

Congratulations to our #D2DifferenceMaker of the Week Kim Donnahoo! Mrs. Donnahoo has been one of our awesome bus drivers for 18 years! Below is the nomination sent in by a parent of one of her bus riders. "She always greets us with a “good morning”, and her tone with the kids are so kind and gentle. Her and her assistant always keeps us posted when they are running early or later than normal. And she never rushes her kids, which can make them fall up the big steps. She always says goodbye and gives hugs. Ms. Kim has been our diver for the 5th year with our special needs son and they tell each other they love one another. Ms. Kim always has treats for her babies at holidays, and she is more like family. She reminds us of school events and church activities. Ms. Kim is an all-around one of a kind Bus Driver with wings. And she really cares for the children and their families." Mrs. Donnahoo even dressed up as a Chesnee Eagle today to bring a smile to her students' faces!!!

Congratulations to our #D2DifferenceMaker of the Week Neri Calderon Morales from @BSHSBulldogs ! Here is what her English Teacher, Amy Riley, said about her. "Neri is a wise and attentive student. She is an incredible student citizen. Not only is she a good friend and a frequent contributor to classroom discussions, she is quick to aid other students who may be struggling. Yesterday, another student left her earpods behind and was upset at losing them. Neri picked them up for her when she saw they were left behind and gave them to her today in class. She is compassionate, empathetic, generous with her time, and an absolute delight to teach."

Congratulations to our #D2DifferenceMaker of the Week Ella McMahon from @BSHSBulldogs . Ella is a senior at BSHS and was nominated by two teachers at the school Ms. Jolley and Ms. Chavez. Below is what they said about her. "Ella is a Teacher Cadet that visits each Friday with our SPED students. Each week she comes with a smile and ready to help with whatever is given to her including helping with a Fall Beautification Project. She had a great attitude and went above and beyond helping another student plant flowers! She went into details showing this student the roots, measuring where to put it in the ground, and even found a worm and explained how important that little worm was to the flowers being planted. She did not mind getting her hands dirty and that encouraged other students to follow through with the project. Thank you, Ella, we are proud of you!" If you would like to nominate a D2 Student or Faculty/Staff Member for our Difference Maker of the Week Award, please fill out the form at the link below. tinyurl.com/D2DifferenceMa…