Carlton Greene, longtime coach of the girls' varsity basketball team at Green High School, is the Greater Greer Education Foundation's 2013 Educator of the Year. The announcement was made Saturday evening at the Foundation's annual Education Gala held at the Cannon Centre.
Greene also holds an administrative position, Instructional Coach, with Greer Middle School.
"I had no idea that I would be receiving the award," Greene said. "I think the award is quite an honor, and I am humbled to have been chosen as a recipient."
The Education Gala is held each year to raise funds that are given to students as scholarships and to schools as grants.
"As in any honor, it is not all about what I have done but an affirmation of the good people and great players that I have had the privilege of working alongside over the years and what we have been able to accomplish together," Greene said. "Greer is a special place and a great community in which to live and work. I feel fortunate to have been able to have such a long tenure here."
Margaret Burch, chairman of the Foundation, in announcing the award, said that "It is the distinct honor of the Board of Directors of the Greater Greer Education Foundation to award the 2013 Educator of the Year Award to Carlton Greene, teacher and coach, Summa Cum Laude.
"This year's award goes to a man who has made remarkable contributions to Greer Middle School and to the lives of young women he has coached at Greer High School," Burch said.
Marion Waters, principal of Greer High School, who was on hand for the presentation, commented that Coach Greene is a Christian gentleman who models all of the ethics and integrity that you seek in one that coaches. "His players play hard, but fair, and model sportsmanship, team play, and handle success and adversity with class and dignity – just like the good and decent man that coaches them."
Chip Sloan, retired principal of Greer Middle School, said in a written statement that "Carlton is one of those men whom you are glad to have on your staff. He is always there for you, ready to help in any way. He possesses much wisdom and is a very level headed man. I'm glad I had the opportunity to work with him, and I know Greer Middle School will miss him greatly when he retires."
In the past three years, the Greater Greer Education Foundation awarded 39 scholarships and 36 grants for a total of $57,650.