COLUMBIA CHAMBER AWARDS EDUCATOR EXCELLENCE AWARD TO LOCAL TEACHERS
Winners announced at Chamber April Breakfast Briefing event
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Columbia Chamber is pleased to announce Dr. Sara Suber (Meadowfield Elementary School) and Dr. Jennipher Frazier (Jackson Creek Elementary School) as Educator Excellence Award winners.
The Educator Excellence Award, sponsored by Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union, recognizes outstanding educators from Richland One and Richland Two school districts. This biannual award honors teachers who demonstrate exceptional dedication to their students, innovative teaching methods, and a commitment to community involvement. Each award winner also received $500 from Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union.
“What educators do every day goes far beyond the classroom. They’re building confidence, creating opportunity, and shaping what comes next for our community. At Palmetto Citizens, that’s something we take personally. Because we were founded by teachers, it makes recognizing outstanding educators especially meaningful for us," said Emilie Lewis, Director of Community Engagement at Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union.
Dr. Sara Suber
Dr. Sara Suber, a 3rd grade teacher at Meadowfield Elementary School, is a dynamic and student-centered educator whose passion, expertise, and commitment to excellence make a lasting impact on her students and school community. With 17 years of teaching experience, including 11 years in Richland One, she has earned National Board Certification (2022), completed her doctorate (2021), and was recognized as a District Teacher of the Year finalist in 2020.
Dr. Jennipher Frazier
Dr. Jennipher Frazier, K-5 Literacy Coach at Jackson Creek Elementary School, is an exceptional educator known for her dedication to students, support of teachers, and strong community involvement, including serving as an outstanding liaison for the Midlands Reading Consortium. With 22 years in education and 12 years as a Literacy Coach, she is a National Board Certified Teacher in Early and Middle Childhood Reading/Literacy and holds a doctorate in Language and Literacy. Her experience spans early childhood, special education, and elementary classrooms, all guided by her belief that every student can succeed with the right support.
To nominate an educator for the Educator Excellence Award or learn more about the Chamber visit www.ColumbiaChamber.com.
About Columbia Chamber
The Columbia Chamber is a private, nonprofit, Partner-driven organization comprised of 1,200 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions and individuals in Calhoun, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry and Richland counties. The Columbia Chamber serves as the voice of its Partners and the business community at large on matters of economic, educational, social, cultural and political concern, as well as supports and promotes the success of its Partners through networking, professional development, advocacy, and leadership. The organization has represented the interests of the local business community since 1902.
About Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union
Since 1936, Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union has served the financial needs of its members with a commitment to education and community support. It proudly supports local charities, schools and organizations through volunteer service and monetary contributions, giving back over $600,000 and 900 volunteer hours in 2025. Today, the credit union manages over $1.4 billion in assets, employs more than 310 people, and serves over 100,000 consumers across 15 branches and nearly 50 ATMs. For more information, visit www.palmettocitizens.org or call 803-732-5000.
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