Mr. Saani Perry Named Assistant Principal of the Year for the State of South Carolina

Perry Named South Carolina School Administrators Association (SCASA) High School Assistant Principal of the Year 

In a surprise visit to West Florence High School, members of the South Carolina Association for School Administrators presented Rahsaan Perry with the SCASA High School Assistant Principal of the Year Award.  

In the fall of the school year, Perry was named the Florence 1 Schools Assistant Principal of the Year, voted upon by his administrative peers.  Subsequently, he competed for the title of South Carolina High School Assistant Principal of the Year through the SCASA awards program.

Currently, Perry serves as one of five assistant principals at West Florence, where he works as the coordinator of the STEM Program and adviser to Sharper Knights, a mentoring program at West Florence.  He has served at the school since 2021. 

“When I decided to get into administration, it was because I wanted to be able to impact schools on a larger level than just inside a classroom,” Perry said. “That has been my goal since I’ve been here.  I am just glad I am a small part of what happens here. I am proud to be a Knight,” he added. 

One of Perry’s administrative colleagues and his friend Jeffrey Gaines, Principal of Sneed Middle School, was happy to learn of Perry’s receipt of the award.

“This award is a true testament to Mr. Perry’s commitment to the West Florence community,” said Gaines. “He exemplifies leadership in every aspect of his work from leading the STEM Magnet program to advising students through Sharper Knights. As one of the feeder schools for West Florence, Sneed Middle School reaps the benefits of the strong partnership we have between our STEM and mentoring programs. This would not be possible without the guidance from Mr. Perry. I am very proud to not only call him colleague, but friend!”

West Florence High School Principal Matthew Dowdell said that Perry is a dedicated administrator, working to create an exemplary learning environment for students and teachers.   

“Mr. Perry’s tireless efforts to support students and educators, his commitment to designing and implementing rigorous curricula, and his ability to cultivate a positive school culture highlight his exceptional qualities as a leader,” Dowdell said. “West Florence is fortunate to have his innovative contributions and unwavering dedication.”

Some students were excited to offer their opinions about Rahsaan Perry.  

Jalen Wallace, a senior at South Florence High School said, “Mr. Perry will tell you what you need to hear when you need to hear it, and I respect him for that. In my freshman year, he introduced me to a group called Sharper Knights here at West Florence. This group has taught me many things about manhood and what it takes to be a leader. Furthermore, Mr. Perry has taught me that anything is possible in life and to never give up on my dreams.”

Tiverly Gray, also a senior student at West Florence High School said, “Mr. Perry has become such an important person in my high school career. He has helped push me to be my best academic self. He truly believed in me and my capabilities to get through the STEM Program. Even when there were days when I wanted to quit the program because of how rigorous the courses are and how heavy of a workload the teachers gave us, even then he gave me so much support which really helped me get through”.

Senior Michael James said, “Knowing Mr. Perry over the past few years has been a profound experience. His encouragement and guidance have helped me become a better student and a more focused individual. His belief in me, even when I doubted myself, has been a driving force in my academic and personal growth.  He’s not just an assistant principal:  he’s a mentor, a role model, and a guiding force in our lives.” 

Perry will now have the opportunity to compete at the national through the SCASA program to become the National High School Assistant Principal of the Year.  

A very special thank you to Butler’s for helping us to create a set of three very special bowties for Mr. Perry as a memento of this occasion, including a garnet one to represent his alma mater Winthrop University.