Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Morris.
Hi Sarah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
From organizing volunteer initiatives to collaborating with local businesses and community leaders, I’ve been honored to help cultivate a culture of mutual support and empowerment. Through our efforts, we’ve been able to give back in meaningful ways, enriching the lives of students and residents alike in Aiken, SC, and beyond.
Today, I am grateful for the opportunity to combine my passion for education with my commitment to community engagement. As I continue to lead the Community Relations department at Horse Creek Academy, I look forward to furthering our impact and fostering even stronger bonds between our school and the wider community. Strong communities make strong schools!
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
While my journey has been fulfilling, it has sometimes been challenging! One of the most significant obstacles I faced was transitioning from a traditional leadership role into a new and innovative position as the Director of Community Relations. This shift required me to step outside my comfort zone and redefine my role within the school. Fortunately, Horse Creek Academy’s Collective Leadership program provided a supportive framework for navigating this change. This program emphasizes flexibility and collaboration, allowing roles to adapt as the school’s needs evolve. Despite initial uncertainties, I was embraced by a team of exceptional administrators and teacher leaders who championed my vision and supported me every step of the way. Without the unwavering support of our Executive Director, Dr. Ann Marie Taylor, and the dedication of our outstanding administrative and teacher leader team, navigating this organizational change would have been much more challenging. Their guidance and encouragement helped ensure a smooth transition, mitigating potential negative impacts on the school community. While the road has sometimes been smooth, our team’s collective effort and commitment have enabled us to overcome obstacles and progress toward our shared goals. At HCA, we lead differently, and it makes all the difference!
We’ve been impressed with Horse Creek Academy, but for folks who might need to be more familiar, what can you share about what you do and what sets you apart?
Horse Creek Academy isn’t just a school; it’s a vibrant community hub dedicated to empowering students and uplifting the entire Aiken, SC, area! As one of the largest brick-and-mortar public charter schools in South Carolina, serving over 1400 students, we’re proud to offer a tuition-free education accessible to all.
At HCA, our mantra, “We are the Village,” isn’t just a tagline; it’s a guiding principle that flows through everything we do. We specialize in community empowerment, personalized learning, and collective leadership, striving to create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. One thing that sets us apart is our innovative approach to branding and community engagement. Schools must think outside the box to remain relevant in today’s fast-paced world. We’ve embraced this challenge wholeheartedly, leveraging social media and creative branding strategies to showcase the unique spirit of our school.
One shining example of our commitment to community involvement is our School Store. Our School Store is different from your typical merchandise outlet! From trendy school t-shirts to jewelry, candles, sunglasses, blankets, and more swag, we take pride in offering diverse products that reflect our school’s vibrant personality. Additionally, we host bi-weekly pop-up shops for local businesses, providing them with a platform to showcase their merchandise free of charge. Furthermore, our dedication to supporting local businesses extends beyond the School Store. Through initiatives like our Food Truck Collab, we invite local food trucks to campus almost daily, allowing students and staff to enjoy delicious meals while directly supporting small businesses. The best part? The food trucks keep all of their profits, further fueling economic growth in our community.
We are also one of the only schools to host a statewide teacher conference on our campus! This March, we will host our 2nd annual reINVENT Conference! Last year, we had over 200 attendees, and we can’t wait to expand this year! As a school, we see ourselves as more than just an educational institution; we’re an incubator for small businesses and a catalyst for community and academic development. We’re immensely proud of our positive impact on Aiken, SC, and we’re excited to continue growing and evolving alongside our community and state!
What’s next?
Looking ahead, I focus on promoting and expanding our community impact here at HCA. We’ve made incredible strides in fostering strong ties with our local community, and I’m eager to continue building upon that foundation! Additionally, I’m committed to exploring new and creative avenues to showcase our unique brand. We’re getting ready to launch our HCA Influencer Program this spring! While we operate as a nonprofit organization, we’re pioneering a new approach to education at HCA that prioritizes personalized learning and collective empowerment. As we move forward, we aim to share our innovative practices and success stories with a broader audience. We’re not just educating students; we’re redefining the face of education in South Carolina! So, stay tuned and join us on this exciting journey. Follow us on social media, engage with our community initiatives, and participate in the transformation happening here at HCA. The best is yet to come; we can’t wait to see where the future takes us!
Pricing:
- HCA is a FREE public charter school, and a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hcacs.net
- Instagram: @hca_wearethevillage
- Facebook: @HCACS
