Clarendon Hall's Head of School Jordan named SCISA Rookie of the Year

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Clarendon Hall's Head of School William Russell "Russ" Jordan was named "Rookie of the Year" by the South Carolina Independent School Association at its annual Head of Schools Conference held Thursday, Nov. 9, at Orangeburg Country Club. Jordan joined the Saints family in April 2022 and became head of school on July 1, 2022. He was selected by his peers for the honor.

To qualify for the award, the recipient must have completed his or her first year as a school head at the school in which they serve and must accomplish both quantitative and qualitative benchmarks during the first year of service. Some of Jordan's notable accomplishments during his first year at Clarendon Hall include: completing a $1 million lower school building project to house grades K-3 through fourth grade, growing enrollment by nearly 100 students, completing the SCISA/Cognia Accreditation, refurbishing the gym to include a new floor and implementing additional curriculum and programs to increase academic standing.

Jordan was presented the award by SCISA Executive Director Dr. Spencer A. Jordan. "Because of his outstanding leadership and dedication to the students of Clarendon Hall and the community he serves, Mr. Russ Jordan is the SCISA Rookie of the Year," said Dr. S. Jordan. "Russ" Jordan was honored to be selected and was quick to praise the Saints staff: "I am blessed to be at Clarendon Hall and have the opportunity to lead such a wonderful, caring staff. This award is a result of a team effort."

Clarendon Hall Board Chairman and CEO L. Travis McIntosh praised Jordan for his hard work. "Mr. Jordan is committed to Clarendon Hall's mission of Academic Excellence in a Christian Environment. When he took over as head of school, we had several major projects scheduled for the summer of 2022. Mr. Jordan immediately took the lead, and the projects would not have been completed without his literal hands-on work. In addition, he led Clarendon Hall through the Cognia Accreditation process. We are blessed to have Mr. Jordan and his wife, Christi, in our Saints family."

Jordan has a very broad background in education and many years of experience in SCISA as a student, teacher and coach.  A 2008 graduate of The Carolina Academy in Lake City, he continued his secondary education at Francis Marion University, earning a bachelor's degree in History as well as a minor in English Writing in 2014. Jordan received a Master's Degree in Education from Clemson University in 2018.

Jordan's wife, Christi, is formerly of Mayesville and a graduate of Lee Academy in Bishopville. The couple lives in Turbeville near their parents, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. Christi is employed by Prisma Health as a physical therapy assistant. They are active members of First Baptist Church of Lake City.

As one of the most well-established schools in the area, Clarendon Hall has provided superior elementary and secondary education in a non-denominational Christian environment since 1965. Clarendon Hall is an independent co-educational school for kindergarten 3 years old through 12th grade. In addition to being a founding member of the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA), Clarendon Hall is accredited by Cognia/SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools). Clarendon Hall is located at 1140 S. Dukes St. in Summerton. For more information, contact the school office at (803) 485-3550 or visit the website at www.clarendonhall.org.