Downtown Aiken felt like a family reunion on Friday, May 1, as ACPSD transformed The Alley into a celebration honoring the heart and soul of our district — our incredible teachers and staff.
AMP THE APPRECIATION is ACPSD’s annual employee appreciation event that brings hundreds of colleagues together for an evening focused on celebrating them and the difference they make for students every day.
From the moment employees arrived, appreciation was on full display. As a small token of gratitude, ACPSD employees received ACPSD-branded swag, “Downtown Dollars” to spend at local shops and restaurants, and vouchers for three classes at Orangetheory Fitness. In partnership with the District and the Aiken Downtown Development Association, numerous downtown businesses, boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment venues offered special discounts for teachers and staff throughout the evening, while several businesses also donated raffle prizes.
Student talent took center stage during the event, with performances by the jazz bands from Aiken High School, Silver Bluff High School, and Wagener-Salley High School, as well as the Youth Strings Academy and Chukker Creek Elementary School’s Champion Singers and theater groups.
Employees in attendance were also invited to view the premiere of the "STARS of Public Education" video, featuring behind-the-scenes moments with this year’s District winners and their families. In addition, attendees had the opportunity to enjoy an early preview of the Fine Arts Festival at the Aiken Center for the Arts, where students’ two- and three-dimensional artwork was displayed ahead of Saturday’s festival.
Educator rockstars Robb Underwood and Mark Rich headlined the event and continued the night of celebration with their band, Savannah Sunday.
A special thank you goes to the many businesses and community partners who helped make the event possible. Their generosity served as a meaningful reminder of the strong support our schools and employees receive from the community. Additionally, we extend our appreciation to the District leadership, Board members, and departments that worked together to make the event possible. Their spirit of teamwork defines our District every single day.
With nearly 300 teachers and staff members gathered in downtown Aiken, AMP THE APPRECIATION served as a beautiful reminder of the talent, passion, and heart that make Team ACPSD feel like home. We aren’t just a school district — we’re a family, and we already look forward to AMPing the appreciation again next year.
