Richardson presented flag

EASLEY — Two U.S. Senators in two weeks? What in the world is going on at McKissick?

Just days after Sen. Tim Scott delivered a motivational speech to the student body, Sen. Lindsay Graham paid a visit to the elementary school — this time to present assistant principal Anita Richardson with a flag in honor of her being named SC Assistant Principal of the Year.

“This flag has flown over the capitol of the United States in Washington, D.C., in honor of your school, that’s pretty cool isn’t it? It was flown in recognition of this wonderful lady,” Graham said as he presented the flag to a tearful Richardson.

Richardson was named SC Assistant Principal of the Year after being nominated by school principal Gary Mohr for outstanding leadership and going above and beyond for McKissick Elementary.

The S.C. Association of School Administrators after SCASA Executive Director Beth Phibbs presented her with the award at the school in December 2015.

“I am very humbled and very honored,” said Richardson following the assembly in the school’s gymnasium. “As Senator Graham said, it takes a whole team. I can’t do what it is I do without the administrative team that’s behind me, the teachers, the students — it takes everyone. You cannot conquer it by yourself.

“I hate to use a cliche, but there’s no ‘I’ in team and that’s very true,” she added.

Along with the students, teachers and administrators cheering on Richardson for her success, there was one very special person present at the assemble as well — her Dad, Frank Looper.

“It was very special to have him here and for him to be able to see all his hard work and efforts bringing me up … the sacrifices he made … there’s nothing like family being with you when you’re being honored,” she said.

“I think the state made a great choice because I’ve known from day one she was the best assistant principal in the state and we’re fortunate to have her here at McKissick,” said Mohr. “It makes my job so much easier having someone like her working here and I don’t consider her working for me. At McKissick, we work together.”

Before the presentation, Sen. Lindsay Graham spoke to the students about the importance of kindness and hard work.

http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_227.jpgBefore the presentation, Sen. Lindsay Graham spoke to the students about the importance of kindness and hard work. Kasie Strickland | The Pickens Sentinel

Sen. Lindsay Graham paid a visit to the elementary school to present assistant principal Anita Richardson with a flag in honor of her being named SC Assistant Principal of the Year.

http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_248.jpgSen. Lindsay Graham paid a visit to the elementary school to present assistant principal Anita Richardson with a flag in honor of her being named SC Assistant Principal of the Year. Kasie Strickland | The Pickens Sentinel

McKissick principal Gary Mohr (left) presents Lindsay Graham with a school shirt along side assistant principal Anita Richardson and SDPC superintendent Dr. Danny Merck (right).

http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_286.jpgMcKissick principal Gary Mohr (left) presents Lindsay Graham with a school shirt along side assistant principal Anita Richardson and SDPC superintendent Dr. Danny Merck (right). Kasie Strickland | The Pickens Sentinel

Assistant principal Anita Richardson with her father, Frank Looper (left) and Sen. Lindsay Graham (right.) Richardson was given a flag by Graham in recognition of being named Assistant Principal of the Year.

http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_293.jpgAssistant principal Anita Richardson with her father, Frank Looper (left) and Sen. Lindsay Graham (right.) Richardson was given a flag by Graham in recognition of being named Assistant Principal of the Year. Kasie Strickland | The Pickens Sentinel

Fist bumps all around.

http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_299.jpgFist bumps all around. Kasie Strickland | The Pickens Sentinel