(Columbia, SC)—Family Connection of South Carolina presented two awards to Lexington County School District One. The Parent Leadership Award was presented to the district’s Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC).

“As South Carolina’s Parent Training and Information Center, we applaud Lexington One for recognizing the power of the parent voice!” said Amy Holbert, CEO of Family Connection of South Carolina. “We have worked closely with district leadership to co-design and train parent leaders for their first ever Special Education Parent Advisory Council.”

The advisory council, in partnership with Family Connection, hosted the Parent Connections event on Saturday, June 14 at White Knoll High School. The informational event was open to parents of students with disabilities of all ages, as well as caregivers and professionals of these students. 

Family Connection’s Pat Head Advocate of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Nicole Adams, Lexington One’s Special Services Executive Director. In 2016, Family Connection established the award in memory of a longtime employee and a passionate advocate, Pat Head. Each year, Family Connection presents the award to a member of the community who has demonstrated outstanding advocacy efforts.

“At Lexington One, our mission is to guide every student to learn, grow, and excel, and we know that informed, supported families are essential partners in that journey” said Dr. Adams. “We are proud to have partnered with Family Connection of South Carolina to create the Special Education Parent Advisory Council, and we will continue to provide meaningful resources and support to our community.”