By Martine Wolfe-Miller, PIO

MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (Dec. 15, 2009) – Mayor Billy Swails and Mount Pleasant Town Council presented the Town of Mount Pleasant Order of the Gavel to Lucy Beckham, principal of Wando High School, at their Town Council meeting held at Wando High School on Dec. 9.
Ms. Beckman was recognized for her selection as the 2010 National High School Principal of the Year by MetLife and the National Association of Secondary School Principals, and in recognition of her service to the Town of Mount Pleasant while serving as Principal of Wando High School for the past eleven years.

Ms. Beckham is the 20th recipient of the prestigious award.

The Order of the Gavel
Following Hurricane Hugo, Mount Pleasant Town Council determined that it was important that an award be established to recognize citizens of Mount Pleasant who, through individual acts or lifetime contributions, had a significant positive impact on the lives of the residents and businesses of our great town. From Hurricane Hugo, the Town’s highest award was born in the form of the Order of the Gavel. The wooden gavel that symbolizes the leadership and dedication required of the recipients of the award came from heart pine structural members from Alhambra Hall. The heart pine symbolizes the strength required of recipients of the award. Since the award was created, there have only been 19 recipients.