WINNSBORO, SC – Mrs. Chantell Berry, Executive Director and Principal of Midlands STEM Charter School (MSCS), has been named the 2025 Rookie of the Year Award, by the school’s authorizer, the Charter Institute at Erskine (Institute). The statewide award was presented to Berry during the Institute’s 7th annual Awards Banquet, in front of an audience of more than 500 attendees, including school leaders, educators, students, and board members from across the state.
The Rookie of the Year award recognizes an exceptional charter school leader who has made a significant and positive impact on their school community in just their first year with the school. The recipient of this award is selected by Institute leadership.
Berry began her leadership at MCSC at the start of the 2024-2025 school year, bringing with her nearly 25 years of experience in education. Well-known as a turnaround Leader, she has a strong track record of guiding schools toward academic improvement and long-term success.
“I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to join the Midlands STEM family at such a special and exciting time,” said Berry. “I’m honored to receive this recognition, but more than anything, I’m excited about what our team has accomplished together in such a short time. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to continue to serve South Carolina’s children!”
This school year marked a period of significant growth for MSCS, as the school moved into a state-of-the-art facility and welcomed over 300 new students.
“Mrs. Berry and I both joined the MSCS team last spring with a shared mission: to deliver an excellent education to the students of Winnsboro and beyond,” said Dr. T.K. Kennedy, MSCS Chief Operation Officer. “Her passion, commitment, and student-centered leadership are truly unmatched. The children are always her number one priority, and that’s what makes her a great leader.”
Midlands STEM Charter School is located in Winnsboro, South Carolina and serves students in grades 4K-12. With a mission of producing mentally and physically fit students, Midlands STEM offers a tuition-free, public education with a focus on STEM education, excellence in academics, and elite athletics. Midlands STEM is authorized by the Charter Institute at Erskine.
Learn more about Midlands STEM at https://midlandsstem.org/.
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The Charter Institute at Erskine is the fastest-growing school district in South Carolina. Serving 26 schools and approximately 30,000 students across the state, the Charter Institute at Erskine is committed to innovative, creative, high-quality methods of education. For more information about the Institute, please visit www.erskinecharters.org.
