Whale Branch Early College High School Behavior Management Specialist named 2025-26 District Support Staff of the Year

BEAUFORT- Whale Branch Early College High School’s Behavior Management Specialist, Kelvin Simmons, has been named the Beaufort County School District’s 2025-2026 Support Staff of the Year, an honor announced during the district’s annual Support Staff Celebration Breakfast.

 

Simmons was chosen for the district-wide recognition through a competitive application process, which included essays highlighting his impactful role in the school community, his contributions to student achievement, and his ability to inspire, motivate, and support both students and colleagues.

 

Whale Branch Early College High School Assistant Principal Marcus Peacock described Simmons as a cornerstone of the school’s positive environment.

 

“Mr. Simmons is awesome! He greets the kids every morning—I think he knows every student by name,” said Peacock. “If a student is having a tough day, Mr. Simmons will pull them aside and have a meaningful conversation. No one walks by him without being acknowledged. He brings a warm, welcoming energy to our building and jumps in to help without hesitation. He’s just an incredible presence to have in our school.”

 

Simmons was surprised by the announcement and expressed deep appreciation for the recognition, as well as a strong commitment to the students he serves.

 

“It’s truly an honor,” Simmons said. “Every day at Whale Branch Early College High School, we give 110% to make sure our students are safe and supported. I try to speak to every student every day, give them that positive message they need, and help set them up for success in their education and beyond”

 

 

 

 

 

All of the school-level Support Staff of the Year recipients were recognized during the breakfast held at the Port Royal Sound Foundation’s Weezie Educational Pavilion. Support Staff of the Year recipients typically include social workers, school nurses, bookkeepers, office managers, teacher assistants, school secretaries, and technology and data specialists.