We would like to welcome science teacher, Mrs. Sam Traywick, to AJ for the 2025-2026 school year!
Mrs. Traywick graduated from USC-Lancaster with an associate's degree in science and from USC-Columbia with a BS in Chemistry. She is PACE program certified in middle-level and secondary science.
Mrs. Traywick previously worked for SC DHEC as an environmental health manager before teaching at both South Middle School and Indian Land High School as a science teacher.
Mrs. Traywick is married to Heath Traywick, and they have 3 dogs and 8 cats. Mrs. Traywick is very close with her mom, her sisters and their husbands, and their children. In her spare time, she enjoys going to the movies, reading, traveling, and visiting National Parks.
When asked what she is looking forward to about coming to AJ, she replied, “The strong sense of community and family nature of the staff. I am excited about working with the students and the overall smaller size of the school.”
We are thrilled to have you join the AJ family! WELCOME HOME, Mrs. Traywick!
Congratulations to Jy'Kevius (Boobo) Johnson for receiving an academic scholarship awarded by House Representative Cody Mitchell!
We would like to welcome Joshua Hackley, chorus teacher, to the Volunteer family!
Mr. Hackley earned a Bachelors in Music Education (B.M.E.) from Coastal Carolina University-Class of 2023. He is certified to teach vocal and general music for all grade levels (PreK-12th). He has been the music teacher at Conway Elementary School in Conway, SC for the past two years. While in this role, he has also been an associate conductor of the Carolina Master Chorale for two seasons and a music library Intern with the Interlochen Arts Camp for two summers. In addition, he has also been a music director with the Coastal Youth Theatre for their summer camp program.
Mr. Hackley has been accepted to attend the Atlanta Summer Conducting Institute in June which is designed for music educators, directors, and conductors alike to grow their artistry in a week-long intensive conference.
Mr. Hackley is originally from La Plata, Maryland which is where the majority of his family resides. He has one step sister, and no pets…yet! In his free time, he enjoys the simple things in life. He is a big coffee snob (Cafe AJ has you covered!) and considers himself a foodie. He shared that he is also a pretty artistic and crafty person. He is thrilled to be closer to more state parks for walks and hiking.
When asked what he is most excited about as a new member of the Vols family, he shared, "Many things excite me about this new chapter of my life in joining AJ Nation! I'm thrilled to simply do my job, as teaching high school choir is something I’ve been hoping to achieve for many years. Making new connections within the school and community is another aspect I am looking forward to and it is something I value greatly. Getting to work with budding musicians is a gift I cherish greatly, and it will bring me immense joy to work together to share our passions and create beautiful music together."
We are so excited to bring you into the family as we know our choral program will continue to flourish and grow under your direction. WELCOME HOME, MR. HACKLEY!!
We would like to welcome Julia Byrd back to AJ as a social studies teacher for the 2025-2026 school year!!
Mrs. Byrd is an AJHS graduate who earned a BA in Secondary Education with a concentration in social studies and a BA in History from Clemson University. She is certified in secondary and middle-level social studies. This will be Mrs. Byrd’s 3rd year teaching, previously instructing at Indian Land High School.
Mrs. Byrd has been married since 2023 to her husband, Zach Byrd. In her spare time, she likes to shop, cook, and watch Clemson sports!
Mrs. Byrd was the Beginning Teacher of the Year for ILHS in 2023-2024. She is also the Palmetto State Teachers Association District 5 Board Member.
When asked what she is most looking forward to as she joins the Volunteer staff, she replied, “ I graduated from AJHS, so I am excited to return home!”
In Mrs. Byrd’s time at Clemson and as an LCSD teacher, she has already emerged as a leader and advocate for education. We are looking forward to all she brings to the table. WELCOME HOME, MRS. BYRD!!
We would like to introduce you to Mr. Mark Escobar, a new science teacher for the 2025-2026 school year!
Mr. Escobar has a Bachelor of Secondary Education in Physical Science from the University of Northern Philippines; a Master of Arts in Teaching Science from Marikina Polytechnic College; and a PhD in Development Education from Central Luzon State University. He is certified in secondary science and is endorsed in gifted and talented education.
Mr. Escobar has 17 years of teaching experience. From 2008-2017, he was a science teacher at Malanday National High School in the Philippines; from 2017-2018, he was an IGCSE physics teacher at Arabian Pearl Gulf School in the Kingdom of Bahrain; from 2018-2025 he has been a science teacher and Science Department Chair (2 years) at Central High School in Chesterfield County School District.
Mr. Escobar was the 2021-2022 Central High School Teacher of the Year and one of three finalists for Chesterfield County School District Teacher of the Year. He has published 3 academic, peer-reviewed papers.
Mr. Escobar is a proud cat dad of five beautiful fur babies, and he loves spending time with them. His hobbies include traveling, cooking, spending time with family and friends, and watching his favorite anime' shows.
When asked what he is looking forward to about coming to AJHS, he replied, "I am looking forward to quickly fit in and build positive relationships with AJ staff and students. I am also very excited in this next chapter of my journey which is to serve, to share my expertise, and to contribute to AJ Nation. Go Vols!"
WELCOME HOME TO AJ, MR. ESCOBAR!
Over the next few days and weeks, we will introduce you to new faculty members for the 2025-2026 school year.
Our first new hire truly needs no introduction as Mrs. Deborah Griffin will be returning to AJ as an English teacher! Mrs. Griffin taught at AJHS for many years, and we are happy to have her back.
In case you don't know Mrs. Griffin, she graduated with a B.A. from Coker University (English and Psychology) and an M.A.T. from Winthrop University (English). In addition to AJHS, she also previously taught at Camden Middle and AJ Middle. She is certified in middle-level and secondary English.
Mrs. Griffin is married with three adult daughters, two sons-in-law, a soon-to-be third son-in-law, and two precious granddaughters. Her hobbies and interests include being Mimzy to her two granddaughters, spending time with family, traveling, reading, and finding home projects to complete.
When asked what she is looking forward to about next year, she replied, "I am looking forward to returning to my AJHS home!"
WELCOME HOME, MRS. GRIFFIN!!
Check this out!!
USC Lancaster TRiO Upward Bound 2025 Summer Experience begins June 9th and ends July 19th. Rising 9th through 12th graders are encouraged to join us for six fun-filled weeks on the USCL campus to strengthen their math and English composition skills; while also working on their Spanish and lab science. Students will also travel for college visits, perform community service, participate in several cultural experiences, and learn team building and soft skills for career development.
Interested first-generation and/or low-income students should use the link or QR code to sign up to begin their TRiO Upward Bound journey. You qualify as first-generation if neither of your parents/guardians completed a four-year college degree; and you typically qualify as low income if you qualify for free and reduced lunch. Make your summer matter by spending it with TRiO, investing in your future.
Please reach out to us if you have any questions. Your UB Summer Experience starts in just a few weeks...
https://botform.compansol.com/240884573540057
Meet us at the Battlefield Friday Night as the Vols play for the AA Upper State Championship! Let's go, Vols!!
MUSC Sports Physicals
May 16th - AJH and LHS
Are you a rising 9th or 10th Grader at AJHS, BHS, or LHS? You may be interested in the 2025 Upward Bound Summer Experience held June 9-July 18th. Scan the QR code for more inforamtion. #CommUNITY
Save the Date - The 2nd annual Parent Pep Rally will be held on August 1, 2025 at Lancaster Memorial Stadium from 7:00- 9:00 pm. Lancaster County School District and Lancaster Promise Neighborhood invite all parents to join in the fun! Mark your calendar now.
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to our Faculty and Staff!! Your dedication to our Volunteers is unparalleled!
Congratulations to the 2025 Delegates for Palmetto Girls State and Palmetto Boys State! You will all represent Andrew Jackson High School well! Go Vols!!
Chromebook Update
Visit https://lancastercsdsc.sites.thrillshare.com/article/2169664 for a message from Superintendent Dr. Raashad Fitzpatrick.
Mark your calendar for the upcoming free sports physicals by MUSC.
And here is the other great event.
#CommUNITY #OneLancaster
Looking for something to do this weekend? Here is the first of two great events.
#CommUNITY #OneLancaster
Celebrate the Week of the Young Child - April 5-11th
The Lancaster County School District Special Olympics is canceled for Friday, April 11th. Special Olympics has been rescheduled for Wednesday, April 16th.
