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Educational background/history: 

I began my educational career at Paul Knox Middle School in 1993 as a Special Education Teacher.  In 1995, I joined the staff at Aiken Middle School as a Special Education Teacher as well as the girls’ volleyball and basketball coach.  I taught primarily students with specific learning disabilities but have also taught children with autism, emotional disabilities, mental disabilities, hearing impairments, visual impairments, and other health impairments.  After leaving the classroom, I served as an assistant principal in the Aiken County School District for 3 years.  I became principal at East Aiken School of the Arts in May 2012.

Personal background: 
I was born and raised in Aiken.  I graduated from Aiken High School in 1989 and from Clemson University in 1993.  In my spare time, I love watching my Clemson Tigers play any and all sports.  I also enjoy spending time on Lake Murray, shopping, and spending time with my family and friends.  Most of all, I LOVE being at East Aiken School of the Arts with the best students, the best faculty/staff, and the best parents in all of South Carolina!    

Honors:    

Palmetto State Art Education SC Arts Administrator of the Year (2018)

SCIRA Distinguished Literacy Administrator of the Year Finalist (2018)

Aiken School Public School District Principal of the Year (2018-2019)

"Children do not care how much you know until they know how much you care."

Mr. Kyle Blankenship became the assistant principal at East Aiken School of the Arts in July 2022.

His academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in History from St. Joseph’s University, a Masters of Science in Adolescence Education, Social Studies, and Special Education from Dowling College, and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership. 

Prior to coming to East Aiken School of the Arts, he served three years as the assistant principal of New Ellenton Middle STEAM Magnet School. Prior to that role, he served as a principal, curriculum coach, and Special Education teacher. 

Mr. Blankenship was named the 2022-23 Aiken County Assistant Principal of the Year, the 2020-21 Ï㽶ӰÊÓ Assistant Principal of the Year, and the 2018-19 South Carolina High School League Region III-A Principal of the Year.