Culture of Excellence Award Presented to Vince Clayton

Mr. Vince Clayton and Principal Brenda Mack-Foxworth

Long time Ridge View High School Band Director Mr. Vince Clayton was presented with the Culture of Excellence Award at our faculty meeting on Monday, January 6th. Mr. Clayton has taught at Ridge View since the school opened.

This award is presented to teachers who have made an exceptional contribution to Ridge View High School in one or more of the following areas: teaching and learning, collegiality, commitment to excellence, work ethic, belief that all children can succeed, and valuing diversity. In addition, these teachers exhibit the four P's of an effective teacher: Punctual, Positive, Professional and Proactive.

Mr. Clayton was nominated by a parent whose three children spent a total of seven years involved in the Blazer Band. Mr. Clayton was lauded for consistently having the largest band in Richland Two, for his incredible control of a class that sometimes numbers as many as 140 students, and for instilling a sense of discipline and responsibility among his students.

Here is an excerpt from the nomination form that was sent in that really captures the culture of excellence that Mr. Clayton has promoted:

"And, like a good coach, Mr. Clayton demands that they do their personal best.  I was privy to his pre-contest pep talk to the band this past week and was impressed with what he asked of the kids.  He told them that when they walked off the field after their performance that they should honestly be able to say to themselves that they had had their best „run‟ yet. If they came off the field regretting the way they performed, thinking “I did that better at practice” then he had failed them.  But if they felt that they had given their absolute best effort then and there, that even if they came in last place, that they had won.  I think that those are words we all can live by."

Mr. Clayton, The View is proud of YOU! Thank you for your guidance and all you do for our students.