Darlington teacher honored in Gov. McMaster’s address
MyKenna Blankenship. FILE PHOTO
By Stephan Drew, Editor
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster recognized Francis Marion University alumna MyKenna Blankenship of Darlington on Wednesday evening, January 25, 2023, during his State of the State address. Blankenship is a 2022 graduate of Francis Marion University, where she was a Teaching Fellow and completed her bachelor’s degree in education.
MyKenna always wanted to be a teacher. She completed the Teacher Cadet program through FMU while in high school and then entered the University to study education. She is currently a first year teacher teaching first grade in Darlington County School District.
Miss MyKenna Blankenship is a first-year teacher at Bay Road Elementary School in the Darlington County School District. She teaches first grade. She is the daughter of Ms. Jennifer Blankenship, also a teacher in the Darlington County School District. Jennifer teaches English and the Teacher Cadet Program at the Mayo High School for Math, Science and Technology. The Teacher Cadet Program is a high school course which encourages academically talented high school students to consider teaching as a career.
Governor McMaster told the General Assembly, “MyKenna always wanted to be a teacher. As she said, “my mom was a lot of inspiration for my journey. . . .I enjoy seeing students make connections with their life and what they are learning in school, but also the “Ah-Ha” moment when they truly understand a concept. My first year is going awesome and I could not have been more blessed with the community I chose. These students are bright and always begin the day with a surprise. I learn more as a teacher and person every day. This career and opportunity with the students fulfill my life in more than one way.”
“MyKenna was a remarkable student who fulfilled a lifelong desire to become a teacher – just like her mother,” said FMU President Fred Carter. “I’m delighted that the Governor recognized her in front of an audience that included the entire General Assembly and the viewing audience of every major station in South Carolina. She deserves it.”
