06/01/2026
This video came up on my personal page today. 14 years ago I was blessed to be a part of this successful movement at Whale Branch Middle.
Students at this school always, as far back as I could remember, had always performed far below the state standards in all subject areas.
90% free and reduced lunch. High poverty. Most of my students lived on dirt roads, single wide trailers, no internet & sometimes not even running water.
The school was at the point of being taken over by the state.
That was until they brought in a new principal. Her name is Mona Lise Dickson, and she, by far, was the absolute best administrator and leader that I had and have ever since worked for. What she did at this school not only transformed me, but the students, the parents, and the entire community.
People always make excuses why kids are not learning- it’s the parents, it’s poverty, not enough school funding, blah blah blah.
To me - it’s about leadership.
When you have a principal that holds teachers, the students, and the parents accountable- change DOES happen.
I loved being a part of the TAP program. If elected, I’d like to see this program implemented in every school in the state that is not meeting basic proficiency standards in reading and math.
To see students (and teachers too) all of a sudden with confidence and PRIDE was the hallmark of my entire teaching career.
I truly miss this school and my students there- it opened my eyes to what is possible if excuses are thrown out and expectations are set. Success happens when adults begin adulting and apathy is erased.
Whale Branch Middle School in Beaufort County, South Carolina, receives the TAP Founder's Award for distinction in the implementation of the TAP system. NIE...