South Carolina’s Most Notable Educator Wins a Spectacular Award

2025 Teacher of the Year Recognized

In a special function held at the Governor’s Mansion in Columbia, SC, the South Carolina State Superintendent of Education, Ellen Weaver, has announced Braden Wilson as the 2025 South Carolina Teacher of the Year. Wilson, a Social Studies teacher at Palmetto Middle School in the Anderson School District One, was lauded for her commitment and dedication, effectively inspiring her eighth-grade students to appreciate the fascinating intricacies of history.

Graduating from Anderson University College of Education, Wilson is currently completing a decade in the field of education. In her speech, Superintendent Ellen Weaver praised Wilson’s infectious drive and zeal, which have consistently rendered history a captivating subject for her students. She is confident that Wilson will continue to serve as a beacon of motivation for South Carolina’s 64,000 educators in her role as Teacher of the Year.

A Grand Prize for Dedication

A joyous part of the celebration was the grand prize presentation by BMW Manufacturing, the premier sponsor of the program for 27 years running. Wilson was awarded the keys to a luxurious 2024 BMW X5 xDrive40i in recognition of her dedication and hard work.

BMW’s Government and Community Relations Manager, Max Metcalf, reiterated the importance of the role teachers play in nurturing the future of our nation. He thanked all of South Carolina’s educators and reaffirmed BMW’s commitment to supporting an enriching environment for education.

Role and Responsibilities of the New Ambassador

As the newly minted South Carolina Teacher of the Year, Wilson will embark on a year-long sabbatical from teaching to serve as an ambassador for public education in the state. Her BMW X5, decked out in Manhattan Green Metallic paint and featuring Black Sensafin Upholstery and 22-inch M double-spoke bi-color wheels among other luxury features, will see plenty of use during this period. Moreover, Wilson will also receive a cash award of $25,000, a set of Michelin tires, and an exclusive Jostens Teacher of the Year ring, among other prizes.

Wilson shared that her dream of being a teacher was fuelled by her sixth-grade history teacher. She plans to utilize the upcoming year to mentor upcoming educators, conduct speaking engagements, and lead the State Teacher Forum. With the backing of more than 64,000 educators, she is geared up to enhance the state’s education system and inspire her fellow teachers.

Briefing on BMW Manufacturing in South Carolina

BMW Manufacturing has been assembling BMWs in South Carolina for the past 30 years. Over these three decades, the company has assembled more than 6.5 million BMWs at the Spartanburg factory, which currently employs more than 11,000 people. The plant, with its expansive 1,150-acre and 8-million-square-foot campus, includes multiple shops and assembly halls, and generates about 20 percent of its power from methane gas while using hydrogen fuel cell technology to power a significant part of its handling equipment.

Building Towards a Greener Future

In 2022, BMW Group declared an investment of $1.7 billion in its U.S. operations, including $1 billion allocated to upgrading the Spartanburg plant to assemble fully electric vehicles and $700 million towards a new high-voltage battery assembly plant in Woodruff. This strategic move is aimed at making the BMW Group a leader in the field of electric vehicle manufacturing in the U.S. By 2030, the company plans to assemble at least six fully electric models locally.