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ANDERSON COUNTY—Anderson School District One Superintendent Wayne Fowler was surprised in front of the entire school district as he received the Order of the Silver Crescent award last Monday afternoon.

The award is made by the Governor of South Carolina to a person with outstanding achievements and community contributions.

Fowler says he had no idea he had been selected for the award.

“It’s a very humbling experience. I certainly didn’t expect it,” said Fowler. “In this school district I always look toward our people as the main focal point, and I don’t like to bring any attention (to myself). I think the leader should be someone who recognizes their people and not the one who is recognized.”

Fowler says he was overjoyed to receive the award in front of the district.

“It’s an honor and a humbling experience to be before all the people in the district,” said Fowler. “It’s was just very wonderful.”

Fowler says he was even surprised by members of his own family.

“I didn’t know anything about this entire process,” said Fowler. “To have my family there and the board here, and other folks, it was just a special time. I didn’t realize my family was coming, but it was so exciting to have them and all these wonderful people I’ve worked with for 42 years.”

Serving for over four decades, Fowler has earned plenty of respect from his fellow coworkers in the district.

“He has served as a prime example of a person who has worked for everything they deserve,” said Board Chairman Fred Alexander. “No one has done more for the education of students in this area than Wayne Fowler has done for the past 42 years.”

School Board member David Merritt says Fowler is always quick to put others before himself.

“I’ve been on the board for over 16 years and I’ve had the pleasure of working with (Dr. Fowler),” said Merritt. “He’s always put the students first, and the people who worked for him were also on top of his list.”

Being with the school district for more than 40 years, Fowler still says there is work to be done, and doesn’t plan on letting up anytime soon.

“There are always new initiatives in education, and there are always new challenges out there,” said Fowler. “There’s always something you can do to enhance public education for our children, so there’s always new goals that can be set.”