Beckham has been an educator for more than 33 years, an administrator for 15 years and principal of Wando, the state’s largest high school, since 1998. She oversaw the school’s move into its new building in 2004, and she helped create four career-related schools of study and a ninth-grade academy to ensure students have more opportunities for personal connections. Students meet weekly with faculty advisers and, as upperclassmen, with an administrator or counselor who monitors and supports them through graduation.
Under Beckham’s leadership, Wando has been the recipient of numerous statewide and national accolades. The school was named one of the best in the country by U.S. News & World Report, its band was recognized as best in the nation, and both its newspaper and culinary arts programs have garnered national honors.
After receiving the award, Beckham told those gathered that this honor wasn’t about her and that it was their award. She credited teachers, students, parents and the community for making the school the great place that it is. She called it a principal’s dream to be in a town such as Mount Pleasant, where officials support the school any way they can.
“Wando is an incredible place,” she said. “Everyone here is committed to excellence.”
Read the whole article from the front page of the local paper.