Lexington School District 4 in Gaston and Swansea named Sandhills Middle School’s Justin Newton as Teacher of the Year.

Newton started his career in Lexington 4 in 2014 and teaches physical education to 7th and 8th graders. He is a graduate of Lander University and received his Master of Education in Teaching from the University of South Carolina.

Coach Newton is the assistant athletic director and Swansea’s assistant varsity basketball coach. His collaboration with other educators at Sandhills Middle led to the school becoming a Special Olympics Unified Champion in 2017, the 1st middle school program to receive the distinction. They have been recognized each year since then. He has a passion for helping children reach their potential.

Sandhills Elementary School’s Elizabeth Williams is Lexington 4 Classified Employee of the Year. Williams has spent 14 years in the district and serves as media assistant of Sandhills Elementary and Primary Schools. She is known as a quiet leader. Last year during the pandemic, she substituted in classrooms, the cafeteria and the office as needed with humor and humility.