Youth Leadership Academy of South Carolina

06/19/2026

Hey friends! My name is Mrs.Dunson, and I will be teaching ELA 8 and Honors English 1 this year. I am also the YLA Chorus Club Director. In addition to teaching, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our four kids. In my spare time, I can also be found drinking coffee and reading a good book. I love camping, hiking, and running. I can’t wait to meet each of you and start a wonderful school year together!

06/18/2026

Hi, everyone! This will be my second year at YLA as a Special Education Assistant. I am looking forward to another year of supporting students and helping out in our Level Up classroom! Outside of the classroom, I love to read, embroider, coach volleyball, and golf. This upcoming year will be exciting for me, as I am getting married in October and starting on my Master’s degree at Clemson University in Special Education. I can't wait for another great year at YLA!

06/17/2026

Hello everyone! My name is Jacob Mathis, and I'm excited to be teaching 7th grade science this year at YLA. This is my second year at YLA, and I am extremely excited to continue helping students strive for greatness. As a teacher, my goal is to not only teach science, but help my students become better versions of themselves.

I met my wife at Winthrop University and celebrate four years of marriage in June. We live in Clemson with our two dogs and chickens! When I am not teaching, you can find me on hiking trails, camping, working out, or in the Chick-Fil-A line.

06/16/2026

Hey, YLA! My name is Sophie Sawyer, and I’m the eighth grade science teacher. I am so excited for this year! During the summer, you can find me saltwater fishing, playing pickleball, paddle boarding and road tripping! I’m looking forward to meeting all of the new eighth graders and cheering on Kipa!

06/16/2026

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT!

As we celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 and the start of a new season, the School District of Pickens County is proud to recognize our 2026 Work-Based Learning Students of the Year. These students represent the success that is possible when education, experience, and opportunity come together. Through meaningful partnerships with local businesses and industry leaders, SDPC is engaging students today and empowering them for tomorrow - helping them graduate with the skills, confidence, and experiences needed for whatever path lies ahead.

🏆🛠️ Congratulations to Hunter Owens, Pickens High School's 2026 Work-Based Learning Student of the Year!

As an Electricity completer, Hunter has developed valuable technical skills through his internship with Deep South Electrical. By applying his learning in a professional setting, he has demonstrated initiative, professionalism, and a strong commitment to his future career.

"This experience strengthened my interest in pursuing a career in the electrical field and helped me feel more confident and prepared for my future." - Hunter Owens

Hunter's success highlights the impact of meaningful industry partnerships and the opportunities they create for students to gain experience while still in school. We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition.

06/15/2026

ATTENTION YLA ALUMNI AND FAMILIES! We are updating our Alumni Wall this summer and want to make sure we have a pennant representing every college our students have attended. Please let us know what we need to add!
We know we are missing Georgia, Georgia Tech, Presbyterian, and Clinton College.

06/15/2026

Hello YLA family! My name is Sami McDermid. This is my 2nd year as a Special Education teacher at YLA. I love Jesus, my family, sports, hunting, fishing, and Green Bay Packers Football! I am so thankful and excited for another year at the best school!

06/11/2026

Beginning Monday, June 15th, check us out at 9:00am each morning to meet our 2026-2027 YLA staff!

06/06/2026

Happy Birthday to Miss Sophie Sawyer!

06/01/2026

Join our team!