Ben Robinson/Courier

The Pickens County School Board presented Rep. B.R. Skelton the Friend of Education Award for his continuous support of public education in the S.C. House of Representatives. Pictured from left are Jackie Hicks, Skelton, school district superintendent Kelly Pew and school board chairman Alex Saitta.

By Ben Robinson, Courier Staff

COUNTY — Before Monday night’s meeting of the Pickens County School Board, Rep. B.R. Skelton was recognized as a Friend of Education.

In presenting the award, Jackie Hicks commended  Skelton for his activity in the South Carolina House of Representatives supporting education.

“He has been in the forefront in supporting public education,” Hicks said.

Skelton said he appreciated being recognized with the award, but the entire Pickens County Delegation supports K-12 and higher education.

“Education is a team effort,” Skelton said. “The cooperation between the school board, the administration, the faculty and the staff, the students and parents — that’s what makes excellent education.”

Board member Judy Edwards praised Skelton.

  “It shows his leadership when he is serving on the House Ways and Means committee,” Edwards said. “It shows his colleagues recognize his input in all different kinds of areas, as far as the house is concerned. And you should be very, very proud of him.”