Foundation for Educational Excellence Presents 2026 Dr. Wayne Carbiener “Above & Beyond” Award to Kelly Hall
The Foundation for Educational Excellence recently presented the 2026 Dr. Wayne Carbiener “Above & Beyond” Award to Kelly Hall, Beaufort County School District’s 2026-27 District Teacher of the Year. Along with the recognition, Hall received a $1,000 grant to support classroom projects and needs at Robert Smalls Leadership Academy, where she teaches theater.
Presented annually to the Beaufort County School District Teacher of the Year, the award honors the legacy of Dr. Wayne Carbiener, a former Beaufort County Board of Education member and longtime supporter of the Foundation for Educational Excellence. Each year, Dr. Carbiener’s family continues to honor his deep commitment to educators by providing this grant in recognition of the dedication and impact of Beaufort County’s public school teachers.
Hall is a 16-year educator who is passionate about inspiring creativity and helping students discover strengths they may not yet recognize in themselves. Her philosophy that “there is a place for everyone” in theater is reflected in the opportunities she creates for students both on and off the stage.
In her classroom, students do much more than perform. They write, design, build and collaborate while developing valuable skills in creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership and confidence. Since joining Robert Smalls Leadership Academy, Hall has helped establish a theater program that has given students opportunities to produce plays, perform at districtwide events and stage the school's first musical.
Her commitment to arts education extends beyond the classroom. Hall spent five years supporting more than 70 schools through the Arts in Basic Curriculum Institute, helping advance arts education throughout South Carolina. Ultimately, she returned to the Lowcountry and the classroom, where she could once again work directly with students and share the “spark of creativity” that makes teaching so meaningful to her.
Hall holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theater with Teacher Certification in Theater for grades K-12 and a Master of Arts in Arts Administration from Winthrop University.
Foundation Board Members Connie Johnson, Katherine Younce and Karen Beltz joined Allyson Keown, 7th-8th Grade Assistant Principal at Robert Smalls Leadership Academy, for the award presentation.
The Foundation for Educational Excellence is proud to recognize educators like Kelly Hall who go above and beyond to create meaningful opportunities for students. Through the generosity of Dr. Carbiener’s family, this annual award celebrates the lasting difference dedicated teachers make in the lives of Beaufort County students and the future of our community.
The Foundation is a fund of Community Foundation of the Lowcountry and a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible as allowed by law and can be made at https://www.foundationedexcellence.com/donate
