Believer, Husband, Father, Principal at River Bluff High School
Lexington County, SC
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- Followers 2,558
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Two weeks ago, an accident changed everything. Our family will always carry the mark of this challenging journey. Mixed emotions fill our hearts; fear, sadness, joy, and comfort. But above all, we feel loved. Tomorrow, Bekah returns to the east coast to begin our next steps at @ShepherdCenter. We thank God for His guiding hand through it all. May He continue to receive all the glory. 🙏 caringbridge.org/visit/walki…
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My daughter's medical team met today. Though she has a ways to go, they said she had made tremendous progress. They are releasing her from inpatient at the @ShepherdCenter.
Bekah served at @YoungLife camp for six weeks after her first year at @LibertyU. She folded laundry all six weeks so hundreds of campers could learn about Him and His love. After camp, she was home one night, and we flew to Hawaii for vacation. We had an accident four days in that all doctors said should have killed her.
She’ll come home this Friday! Join us if you can @RBHSGators at 3:00 PM for a “Welcome Home” drive-through for Bekah. We'll continue to our home nearby.
My heart is full.
caringbridge.org/visit/walki…
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Now Hiring: Head Football Coach at River Bluff High School
River Bluff is special! Our faculty, staff, students and the families we serve make this an incredible community. With outstanding school facilities, a supportive district, two strong feeder schools, and an elite youth football program, the future remains bright for Gator Football.
We seek a leader with strong character and a vision to compete at the highest level—a championship level. If you’re ready, apply online. Learn more here:
applitrack.com/lexington1/on…
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Incredible fireworks are on display today for my beautiful Bekah. Best fourth I’ll ever have. We’ve experienced so many emotions and celebrations. Thank you all for your prayers and generosity. Love to all.
Visit Bekah's Site: caringbridge.org/visit/walki…
Site Name: walkingwithbekah
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Dorothy said, “There is no place like home.” Yesterday was a good day. We said goodbye to a fine @ShepherdCenter team. We were received with open arms of love from our beautiful community. Most in my home are still sleeping in their beds, especially Bekah!
Love to all.
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From ATL: I haven't communicated a lot. Haven't really wanted to or had the energy.
It's almost a month since our June 28 accident, and the trauma is still so raw. The emotional toll has been immense - anxiety, fear, and uncertainty have been our constant companions mixed with inspiration, gratitude, serenity, love, and amusement. This experience has changed us profoundly. My Bekah is on the mend, as are we. We are grateful for the support we've received; it means the world to us. Through this challenging season, we've learned a deeper level of love and understanding - We ALL come across children and adults who need unconditional support, active listening, and empathy without judgment. These are some of the best medicines we can offer someone who is or has experienced a traumatic situation. Love to all.
caringbridge.org/visit/walki…
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Back at @LibertyU today for the first time since May. The journey of healing after June 28 has been incredible. Every doctor has been amazed by Bekah's progress. Thank you for your prayers and support. Our hearts are full. @ShepherdCenter #Grateful #RoadToRecovery
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Grateful beyond words for the incredible video by Jason Ignet (@RbhsCMAD) and @waltoverbay capturing our journey home as we entered @RBHSGators. A day forever in our hearts as we returned from Hawaii and Atlanta and united as a community. Tears flowed as we watched. To my people, your presence was deeply appreciated. Every need was met at school, in our neighborhood, and at home; we felt the love. Our school and community are truly extraordinary. #communitysupport #inspirethebluff2024
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Big news from The Swamp!
Please join us in giving a warm River Bluff welcome to Coach Perry Parks (@CoachParks84), our new Head Football Coach!
Coach Parks brings unmatched energy, enthusiasm, and a strong track record of success to Gator Nation. We’re excited to welcome him and his family to the RBHS community and look forward to the positive impact he’ll make—both on and off the field.
We also want to extend our sincere thanks to Coach Blair Hardin (@CoachBHardin) for his leadership and service to our program and community.
Go, Gators!
#GatorNation #UsWeRB
#EmpowerTheBluff2025
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Who left this on my desk at work today? Whoever you are, you ain’t right! SMH 😂 #StepBrothers w/ @LucasClamp
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From our Gator family, we send heartfelt condolences to the Bennett family. Mel loved so well in her daily interactions with others. She was and will always be a beloved member of the @RBHSGators community.
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This guy gets a lifetime spot at The Swamp! Up just in time for #FridayNightLights! GO GATORS! @LucasClamp #CelebrateRB22
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Great to be back in The Swamp tonight. It’s difficult to join community after a difficult season of life. I definitely felt that Gator love. Some great shots from tonight’s big win.
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Congratulations to @tarablack811, named Lexington District One Educational Office Professionals - Administrator of the Year. Tara is the definition of a “servant leader!” Congratulations! @RBHSGators
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Thank you for coming out, Thomas. We are grateful she is home!
@RBHSGators principal @JacobSmith61 and daughter Bekah explain the #stillinawe hashtag found around their house.
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We are going virtual for a week. Know that we are expecting incredible months to come and a strong finish. These variants will not steal our joy and momentum. We are having an amazing year, and I am so proud of our faculty, staff, and students! They are doing the work! We are RB!
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Help me celebrate and welcome @TerrenceLHarris to our leadership team! Terrence enters with a wealth of teaching and administrative experience and will significantly impact our campus. #celebrateRB22 #OnwardAsOne @RBHSGators @LexingtonOne
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Fantastic shot, T!
I love my @RBHSGators. Miss them terribly.
We were humbled and grateful for the tremendous welcome home today.
Thank you!
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Gators,
Embrace your first day of a new school year. Although I may not be physically present with you today, please know my thoughts are with you as you begin the 23/24 journey.
The coming months hold countless opportunities for growth, learning, and success. I know now better than ever that each new challenge is an occasion to demonstrate our collective strength, perseverance, and greatness!
To the faculty and staff, thank you for your tireless efforts. Keep lighting the way!
Students, I miss your contagious energy and eagerness to learn on this first day. Remember, each one of you possesses brilliance. Embrace every opportunity that comes your way, both inside and outside the classroom.
Parents, thank you for entrusting us with the education and well-being of your children. We understand the responsibility that comes with this privilege. Rest assured, we will continue to create an environment that fosters growth, safety, and pure inspiration.
My family's recovery is progressing, and I eagerly anticipate returning to the hallways and classrooms soon enough.
Go Gators!
PS - Use our hashtag today and all year developed from our 23/24 one-word vision, "Inspire." #InspireTheBluff2024
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Excited to announce @RBHSGators alumni Ashley Willis as our new Head Softball Coach. First Gator alumni in a head role! Excited for our ladies and the days ahead! @RBGatorSoftball @Gator_Athletics
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Our traditional afternoon circle up the day before school starts. Ten years ago, we made one circle. We’ve grown. Our CREW is ready. So excited to see our students tomorrow! We will start our day in CREW! #DECADEatRB @RBHSGators
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It rained a lot here yesterday. And rain is messy.
Pictured is a poem from my beautiful, healing daughter. It summarizes so much of her and our family's current reality and how He works wonderfully through our pain. This, too, shall pass, and we can grow while it does.
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We are seeking a captain for our athletic ship! River Bluff needs an AD. We've separated the football and AD roles. Details to apply are below. @Gator_Athletics @RBHSGators @SouthCarolinaAD @LouatTheState #InspireTheBluff2024 applitrack.com/lexington1/on…
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I woke up today reflecting some. I do so every January 3. It’s an important day in my home. Today I celebrate eighteen years of sobriety.
If you have a substance abuse challenge and I can ever help you, please let me know. Some of our story below. vimeo.com/215423260
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Trailing 17-7, the Gators rallied with 27 unanswered points to secure their spot in a Black Friday showdown and earn the privilege of practicing on Thanksgiving—a hallmark of a special season. Last night’s victory marked a milestone as the Gators set a new school record with their 10th win. @RBHSGators @Gator_Athletics @RBGatorFootball @LouatTheState
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College visits with my girl! So proud of her and excited for her next steps. I can’t believe she’s a senior. Not sure I’m ready for this!
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Congratulations to Meg Huggins, our @RBHSGators Academic Dean for Innovation!
@MegHHuggins was recently named a 2022 SCASA Assistant Principal of the Year finalist. Her student-centered influence is invaluable to our success. #celebrateRB22 @SCASAnews @LexingtonOne @ELeducation
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I appreciate @LucasClamp dropping by to check on us today. He’s already thriving in his new role. #celebrateRB22 #OnwardAsOne
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Enjoyed team building with the @RBHSBaseball team today before a lift. Proud of this group. Can’t wait to see them of the field. Excited to see the men they become! @MarkBonnette #CelebrateRB22
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Congratulations, Dr. Luke Clamp! We love you brother and are so proud of you! #breakthrough #usweRB
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We had our final admin meeting today! Still dealing with the thought of losing this incredible leader at school. Will always think of @LucasClamp as a brother! Thankful he brought me into his family. Love this picture a past Gator made. Always brings laughter to my office guests!
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Let’s celebrate these nurses and our health room staff. They are DOING THE WORK and trying their best to keep their spirits high. I love the Hawaiian 🌺 wear, our theme for the game tonight. Let's thank and encourage them here and everywhere. #celebrateRB22 #OnwardAsOne
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So proud of our @RBHSBaseball State Champions! Thank you Representative Wooten for being a gracious host and leader! #DECADEatRB @Gator_Athletics @RBHSGators @LexingtonOne
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I want to express my gratitude to @SouthCarolinaAD and many others for their unwavering support this year. It is heartwarming to see how a community comes together in times of need. Travis Perry was the epitome of bravery and courage.
Proud to support @JacobSmith61 this morning as he was honored by @SouthCarolinaAD with the Travis Perry Braveheart Award.
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Check out @_CoachCook being honored recently! So proud of him and his promotion. The Eagles are getting a special one. He’ll have an immediate impact. Still selfishly wish he’d let @ApollosCook stay 😉. Love you buddy!
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CARSON'S ROAD TO RECOVERY - we hope to be with Carson by the end of the week @ShepherdCenter with my Bekah - He is a 2023 @RBHSGators graduate with an amazing story. gofund.me/a4026156
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This team is second to none. I trust them and their decisions, appreciate their loyalty and dedication and love the way they care for students, teachers, and parents. An incredible CREW I care deeply about. They don’t clean up half bad either. #NationalAssistantPrincipalsWeek
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Love these kids 👏. First group to have four years @RBHSGators! #ClassOf2017
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Caught this moment late this afternoon. Ready for our graduates. Our Gator family will miss these two @RBHSGators Hall of Famers! #usweRB
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Congratulations to @jbwatso, our @RBHSGators 2022/23 Teacher (School Counselor) of the Year! #DECADEatRB @RBHSCounseling1 @RBHS_Basketball
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Varsity cheer took first place today at Flora! @Gator_Athletics @RBHSGators
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Congratulations to our @RBHSBaseball team for winning the Lower State Championship! Last out video and celebration.
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Let’s go! Our @RBHSGators leadership team is ready for #SCASAi3! Thankful for all @SCASAnews does to serve our incredible state and its schools!
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Many emotions today. Last day of school! My baby girl graduates with 550 @RBHSGators, which we are so proud of. End of the first year of the principalship in a year that saw challenges and celebrations. Educators - the beauty of the work we Get to do is a blessing. Rest well.
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These men have broad shoulders for a reason. They carry so much for the school community. They protect, provide, and positively impact our culture! @TerrenceLHarris @tradd_denny #NationalAssistantPrincipalsWeek
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We appreciate @CoachStreeter coming by @RBHSGators today to check in! @ClemsonFB @Gator_Athletics @RBGatorFootball
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29-28! @RBGatorFootball over Dorman tonight! Incredible environment and a hard fought battle. See the game winner and our incredible student section! @HaydenMyers00 @RBHSGators #InspireTheBluff2024 @Gator_Athletics
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Our students showed up and our boys showed out. 28-7 final @RBGatorFootball over LE! #CelebrateRB22
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Thank you, Blair, for eight incredible years of dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to our students and athletes. Your passion, integrity, and service have made a lasting impact on countless lives. You will always be a part of Gator Nation! #OnceAGatorAlwaysAGator
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Thankful to have @CoachBHardin back on the field! Our @RBGatorFootball played hard tonight. They earned a 3-0 start! Our students and community filled the stands with incredible spirit! #WeAreRiverBluff #DECADEatRB
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Congratulations to Ben Lee, named River Bluff High School's Teacher of the Year for 2023/24! Your dedication and passion for education is truly inspiring, and you have made a lasting impact on the lives of your students and players! Thank you for all that you do! @RBHS_Basketball #TeacherOfTheYear #EducationInspiration #MakingADifference #DECADEatRB
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I didn’t swim but joined our team this morning to celebrate the upcoming year. These kids are impressive. 5:15 AM starts. #Dedicated #celebrateRB22
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Healing looks different for all—so many emotions and life lessons. We are thankful for the peaks and the valleys that grow us and that she is with us.
Bekah Smith making big strides after family's summer car accident: 'I feel like I'm hitting play again' wltx.com/article/news/local/…
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Working in another #firstdayofschool picture 😉.
Love our leadership team. We’ve had an incredible start. @RBHSGators #celebrateRB22 #OnwardAsOne
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Congratulations to Apryl Henry, our 2021/22 @RBHSGators Teacher of the Year! We are thankful for her leadership and excited for her journey! #CelebrateRB22 #OnwardAsOne
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Gators win 9-3. They will play again Wednesday night for the Lower State Championship. Great job, @RBHSBaseball!
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My little girl is growing up. Love all the senior banners going up in the stadium! #tradition #CelebrateRB22 #UsWeRB
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Gators over White Knoll in OT - 24-21
The winning kick by @trippbryant2! @RBHSGators @RBGatorFootball @LouatTheState @Gator_Athletics
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We wish our @RBHSGators @SpecialOlympics athletes many successes today! We are so proud of you all! Thank you also to our students, staff and teachers for the amazing send off!
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Today we passed the paddle to @MegHHuggins! An outstanding educator and leader in many ways. Our Gator family stands with you now and in the days ahead.
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The end of a 44 year coaching legacy. Played for or won State 25/44 seasons. An even better husband and father. He gets it. The seniors and team gave their all tonight.
Words from @PhilSavitz to his @RBsoccer following his final match
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Sheppard to @ApollosCook. 28-7 5:03 in the fourth. Impressive play.
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Congratulations to coach Phil Savitz for achieving an incredible milestone of 800 wins on the soccer field! Your dedication, hard work and leadership have led your team to countless victories and inspiring moments! @RBsoccer @LexingtonOne @LouatTheState #soccer #futbol
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Let’s go!! Congratulations to @RBGatorsVolley for winning the Nation Ford Invitational tournament today!
#CelebrateRB22
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Congratulations to our Teacher of the Year finalist Sarah Bley, Apryl Henry, Krystin Jenkins, Ben Lee, and Joe Ben Watson.
This is an incredible honor to celebrate! #CelebrateRB22 #OnwardAsOne
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We will celebrate student, faculty, and staff birthdays each morning this year over the daily announcements. We’ll do half birthdays for those with summer dates. Ironically, on the FIRST DAY of school, “my senior” has her special day ❤️!#CelebrateRB22
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Gators- Time flies when you're having fun! 2022/23 marks year ten @RBHSGators! A DECADE! This year we will honor our beginning and drive our vision forward. We’ve always been distinct in our approach to teaching and learning, and we are So excited for the year ahead! #DECADEatRB
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Game winning triple overtime score by @GrayHerring_ and the @RBGatorFootball! Go Gators! Incredible game!
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What a night. So proud of our kids. The students showed up! Great win for @RBGatorFootball! 52-0 over Swansea.
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First family picture in a while. So thankful for every moment and season with these people. "Time moves slowly but passes quickly." - Alice Walker
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So many seniors on the swim team! A little rain didn’t dampen their spirit! Love these kids. Incredible group! #CelebrateRB22 @Gator_Athletics #SeniorNight
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Send off today at the end of school! So excited! Go Gators! @RBHSGators #celebrateRB22
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Check out this powerful reflection from Daniel who grew up in Lexington, went to @wk_timberwolves, and was an incredible support throughout our time in Hawaii. He is the State Director of @fcahawaii and was in the right place at the right time! caringbridge.org/visit/walki…
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The end of an eight-year run with a true friend. Saddened for our Gators. Truly a remarkable leader who loves well. Luke will be missed tremendously. Congrats on the next season, brother.
During the meeting on June 1, the Lexington District One Board of Trustees approved the promotion of Dr. Lucas “Luke” Clamp to secondary schools director. Read more --> bit.ly/3z0AUXB
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Proud of @CoachBHardin, his staff, and our @RBGatorFootball team for an outstanding season! Setting a school record with ten wins, they brought resilience, heart, and character to the field each week—and incredible spirit to our fall semester. Go Gators! @Gator_Athletics @RBHSGators
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Blythewood mentioned to our coaches that they never played in an environment so spirited as Monday night @RBHSBaseball! Let’s bring the show to their house tonight. Go Gators. Win state. #DECADEatRB
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Our @RBGatorFootball season has started. I was very impressed by the energy of the players and their coaches this morning. I can’t wait for #FridayNightLights! #CelebrateRB22 #OnwardAsOne
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