12-04-2025
West Florence High School administrator named nation's top assistant principal
WEST FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) — A West Florence High School administrator who founded a male mentoring program and helped expand STEM programming has been named America's top assistant principal.
Saani Perry, who's been at the school since 2021, took home the honor this week at the National Educational Leadership Awards held Friday in Washington, D.C.
'Since his first day on campus, Mr. Perry has made it his mission to serve our student body, staff, and broader community with passion and purpose. This national recognition reflects what our school has long known—Mr. Perry is a transformative leader whose presence has changed lives,' West Florence High School said in a Friday Facebook post.
Perry in December was selected as the state's top assistant principal by the South Carolina School Administrators Association, putting him in the running for national recognition.
In a news release announcing his statewide win, South Florence High School senior Jalen Wallace said Perry's mentorship program Sharper Knights had a major impact on his life.
'This group has taught me many things about manhood and what it takes to be a leader,' Wallace said. 'Furthermore, Mr. Perry has taught me that anything is possible in life, and never to give up on my dreams.'
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Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here.
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