The Lancaster County School District is excited to announce the induction of Louis Canty and Venise Grier into the Education Hall of Fame on May 5, 2025.
Henry Louis Canty taught at Dobson Elementary during the 1970s. He was instrumental in mentoring young men and women encouraging their success. Mr. Canty’s daughter, Trell Canty Belk reminisced about the impact of her father’s legacy. She shared how the community of Lancaster supported her family when Mr. Canty passed away at age thirty-seven. Ms. Belk accepted the award on behalf of Mr. Canty’s family.
Venise Grier was introduced by Mr. Richard Gay, former Lancaster High School teacher and Education Hall of Fame member. Mr. Gay shared that Venise began her career at Stevenson Correctional Institution before joining Lancaster County School District as an Itinerant Resource Teacher at Dobson Elementary followed by teaching Self-Contained Special Education at Lancaster High School. Mrs. Grier additionally worked as an instructional mentor at Lancaster High School while serving as the Induction and Mentoring Coordinator for Lancaster County School District. Mrs. Grier additionally served as a Board Member and President of the Palmetto State Teachers Association. Over the years, she has mentored hundreds of educators.
Nominees for the Lancaster County School District Hall of Fame may come from the following categories with no specific number required in each category: Teacher, Administrator, Board member, Community member (civic leader, politician or friend of education). Nominations are open annually May through the end of January each year.
Eighty-two retirees were honored for their commitment to excellence. The retirees included individuals from March 1, 2024 through February 28, 2025, as well as retirees from 2020-2024 who had not been previously recognized. Individuals retiring through the remainder of the school year will be recognized at next year's ceremony
The celebration was held at the Lancaster Multipurpose Building located at 870 Roddey Drive, Lancaster, South Carolina. The Lancaster High School JROTC led the Pledge of Allegiance and presented the colors. Chiffon Johnson, LCSD Receptionist performed the National Anthem. Superintendent, Dr. Raashad Fitzpatrick welcomed guests and invited them to dine on a meal of grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, green beans, salad, rolls, and cupcakes catered by My Sistas and I Catering, LLC. Following the meal, retirees were announced individually. Retirees received a Service Award and a Tree of Life Bookend with an inscribed plate that read “In appreciation for your timeless service and dedication”. Dr. Carl Carpenter, II, Chief Human Resources Officer, Dr. Fitzpatrick and Mr. Melvin Stroble, LCSD Board Chair congratulated retirees and thanked them for their commitment to serving our students and community. Mr. Stroble closed the evening by thanking each individual for their contributions and encouraging them to remain connected by following the district on Facebook and Instagram and by downloading the Lancaster County School District app. The evening showcased how connections bring us together and make a lasting impact.
Louis Canty
Venise Grier
