HCS announces top 6 finalists for Rookie Teacher of the Year award

HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — Horry County Schools announced the top six finalists for Rookie Teacher of the Year on Tuesday!

The program recognizes and celebrates teachers who are within the first three years of their careers. Officials said they hope celebrating the success of the educators early on will help to improve teacher retention.

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The educators spotlighted were all nominated by their school principals "for their professionalism in providing quality instruction and meeting the needs of all students."

The top six finalists are:

• De'Asia Linnen - Aynor Elementary
• Zachary Lane - Conway High
• Liz Whaley - Socastee Elementary
• Tristan Moffitt - Socastee Middle
• Renea Urbaniak - Socastee High
• Candace Johnson - Whittemore Park Middle

The HCS 2025 Rookie Teacher of the Year will be recognized in May.