CLEMSON — A Clemson Elementary School first-grade teacher has been recognized as the South Carolina Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, History and Preserve America.

As the 2013 South Carolina History Teacher of the Year, Sarah Turpin will receive a $1,000 award, a certificate of recognition, an archive of books and historical resources presented in her name to the school’s library and an invitation to attend a 2013 Gilder Lehrman Teacher Seminar.

“Because I am so passionate about teacher American history and civics education, I am extremely honored that my efforts in this area are being recognized by such a prestigious organization,” Turpin said. “Passion for a subject is contagious, and I want my kids to catch the ‘history fever’ from me.”

Turpin is also a finalist for the $10,000 National History Teacher of the Year Award. The winner will be announced in the early fall. In addition, Clemson Elementary will be named a Gilder Lehrman Affiliate School.

“I am so very proud of her passion for children and patriotism,” Clemson Elementary principal Dr. Ken Weichel said.