Richland One principal dies

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - Richland School District One officials say a local principal has died.

Alcorn Middle School Principal Anthony Graham died February 5 after a recent illness, according to Director of Communications Karen York.

Graham was in his first year as principal at Alcorn. Prior to coming to Richland One in July 2007, he was principal at Bates Middle School in Sumter School District 17.

Graham began his tenure in Sumter 17 in 1994 as a guidance counselor at Sumter High. He served as an assistant principal at Sumter High from 1996 to 2001, before being named principal at Bates.

"Mr. Graham had only been with the Richland One family for a short time, but his joyful personality and sincere interest in the welfare of his students quickly endeared him to all at Alcorn, in the community and to his colleagues," said Richland One Superintendent Dr. Allen Coles.

Members of the district's Crisis Response Team, which includes guidance counselors, psychologists and social workers, were at Alcorn today to help faculty, staff and students deal with their grief over Graham's death.

Coles will name an interim principal sometime in the next few days.

Funeral services for Graham have been set for 3pm Sunday, February 10, at Willow Springs Baptist Church, 28 Gold Mine Drive, Edgefield, SC.  Butler & Son Funeral Home in Saluda (phone number: 864-445-2623) is handling the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at the funeral home, 306 North Bouknight Ferry Road, Saluda, SC 29138.

Posted by Logan Smith