FORT MILL, SC — The Fort Mill School District announced the selection of the 2026-2027 District Teacher of the Year and Support Staff Employee of the Year on Tuesday.
Annalise Eberhard, Librarian at Fort Mill Middle School was named the 2026–2027 District Teacher of the Year. Ms. Eberhard earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Secondary Education from Winthrop University, and a Master’s Degree in Library Science from Appalachian State. She also holds a Gifted and Talented endorsement. She previously taught English at Nation Ford and Catawba Ridge high schools before joining Fort Mill Middle School as librarian in 2024. She has been with the district for ten years. Ms. Eberhard also has served as a PLC lead teacher, a mentor teacher, a member of the Leadership Teams at both Catawba Ridge and Fort Mill Middle.
As part of being named Teacher of the Year, Ms. Eberhard was given the opportunity to select a new car to drive for one year, courtesy of Stateline and Mills Automotive Group.
Kristen Sims, a Technology Assistant at River Trail Elementary School, was named the 2026–2027 Support Staff Employee of the Year. Mrs. Sims joined River Trail Elementary School 6 years ago after sixteen years in the credit union industry. In her role as technology assistant, she wears many hats, including school webmaster, yearbook coordinator, school social media manager and “fun coordinator.”
Both the Teacher and Support Staff of the Year also were awarded prizes including a $1500 direct deposit, a weekend at Springmaid Mountain, and a ring from Jostens.
“Ms. Eberhard and Mrs. Sims represent the very best of Fort Mill Schools,” said Superintendent Grey Young. “Their commitment to our students, their colleagues and their school communities reflects the care and dedication we see across our district every day. We are proud to recognize them for the many ways they make Fort Mill Schools a better place to learn and work.”
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
