Anderson SD 1 Educator Named Teacher of the Year

Braden Wilson, a social studies teacher at Palmetto Middle School in Anderson District One, was named South Carolina’s Teacher of the Year for 2025. The award, announced by State Superintendent Ellen Weaver, includes a new BMW for a year, a $25,000 cash prize, and a free undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina. The announcement was made during a gala at the Governor’s Mansion. Wilson was one of five finalists, with the others being Blake Bishop, Will Epps, Katie Farr, and Bekah Hamrick from various school districts across the Upstate and Midlands.