“Do what is best for kids” was Lucy Beckham’s motto. It has also been Lucy Beckham High School’s (LBHS) mantra as its faculty and staff opened Charleston County School District’s newest high school in Fall of 2020. Prioritizing the needs of 1250 students turned each of this year’s COVID-related challenges into an opportunity for connection, inspiration, compassion, and gratitude.
The mission of LBHS is to live by the “I’s” of the Bengal Tiger--Intelligence, Integrity, and Involvement. The goal is to enable all students to become well-rounded, self-aware adults who can share their stories with an individualized portfolio highlighting their strengths and interests.
In its second year, LBHS has continued to earn notable achievements and set a high academic bar. A large number of students have enrolled in Honors and Advanced Placement coursework, and strong performance on End of Course and PLTW exams was evident.
While LBHS has high expectations for student achievement, it also nurtures students by ensuring they enjoy school. One such example is CREW (Creating Relationships and Exploring Within), a student advisory period; based on research that connects a sense of belonging and community with higher achievement, CREW sets aside time for students to build relationships, strengthen literacy, serve their community (ECCO, Angel Tree, pet rescues, etc.), prepare for college and post-secondary careers, and even explore fitness opportunities. These moments together, along with independent learning time and extended lunch period, not only made it easier for students to endure our 2nd year in a pandemic, it also fostered a community culture which can be built upon for years to come.
With only 9th-11th graders, LBHS was able to capture its 2nd state championship with a win in Women’s Tennis as well as our 1st state championship in Men’s Lacrosse and to earn multiple seats in Regional and All State band, orchestra, and chorus. It fielded a myriad of sports teams and multiple superior and excellent ratings in both band, orchestra and chorus.
As important as content knowledge and achievement are for students, everything they do should be embedded with 21st century skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and collaboration. These skills were modeled with students throughout the year; despite having to continually change and adjust schedules and protocols, staff, students and families stayed positive and demonstrated resilience and grit. From living through the 2nd year of the pandemic, they learned to work together, problem solve, and adjust while maintaining strong performances in all areas.
The success students and LBHS achieved would not have been possible without the consistent support from families and community, including the Town of Mt. Pleasant, East Cooper Medical Center, and The One Beckham Foundation. They provided athletic facilities, arts support and made available funding to remove barriers and make certain all students, staff, and families were able to experience the benefits!
Doing what is best for kids, we are one team, one family, one Beckham!
Anna Dassing, Principal
Julie Hussey, SIC Chair
