Mary Alice Laubach, the Placement Chair at Dutch Fork Middle School in Lexington-Richland School District Five, has been honored with the Principal of the Year award for South Carolina by the South Carolina Council for Exceptional Children (SCCEC) for 2024. Despite not being a principal, individuals serving as the Special Education Lead for a school are also eligible for nomination.
Laubach, with over 25 years of experience in working with students with disabilities, has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the advancement of exceptional children and youth. She has worked with high school and middle school students with physical, emotional, and learning disabilities. Laubach is recognized for her deep knowledge of special needs, creating inclusive and supportive learning environments, and collaborating with both special education and general education teachers.
Expressing her gratitude, Laubach stated, “I am thrilled and honored to be recognized by the Council of Exceptional Children (CEC) as Principal of the Year for the state of South Carolina. It was very humbling to have been nominated by peers and colleagues and ultimately chosen for the top award.”
The South Carolina Council for Exceptional Children aims to improve the educational outcomes and quality of life for individuals with exceptionalities and their families through the actions of professionals, advocates, and other agencies.
Dr. Angie Slatton, School District Five Director of Special Services, highlighted Laubach’s positive impact, stating, “She is an exceptional model for how administrators should serve all students. I am blessed to have her as a coworker and friend!”
