Last month, the Lexington One Educational Foundation honored Albert Hamilton Robertson with the 2025 Joseph M. Bedenbaugh Administrator of the Year award during a board of trustees meeting. 

The 2025 recipient, Albert Robertson, has worked in education for 19 years. He earned a bachelor’s degree in teacher education from Newberry College and a master’s in educational administration and supervision from the University of South Carolina. 

Robertson has worked in various roles, such as teaching at Pleasant Hill Middle School, Meadow Glen Middle School and Lexington Elementary. Since 2022, he has worked as the assistant principal at Lexington Elementary. 

Throughout his time in education, he has received several awards including Meadow Glen Middle School Teacher of the Year (2014), Lexington District One Teacher of the Year (2014), Gilder Lehrman History Teacher of the Year by the South Carolina Department of Education (2016) and the Outstanding Teacher of American History Award from the S.C. Daughters of the American Revolution (2016).

A group of teachers, coaches, current and former principals and administrators, along with the current Lexington Elementary principal, Patrick Burnett, nominated Robertson for the award. 

“Albert Robertson embodies the incredible traits of this award each and every day,” Burnett said. “His dedication to students, his passion for creating a positive school culture and his ability to inspire those around him make him an ideal candidate for the award.”

Nominees for the prestigious award are evaluated based on 23 leadership criteria. Robertson’s nomination highlighted his dedication to school spirit, stating, “Albert’s commitment to making our school a fun, vibrant place is unmatched. We’ve seen him kiss a camel, take multiple pies to the face…wear countless costumes…and so much more. He never hesitates to participate in activities that will have a positive impact on the students of Lexington Elementary.”

Colleagues from Lexington Elementary, as well as Robertson’s wife, Blair Robertson, and their children, were present to celebrate his award. 

Joseph M. Bedenbaugh, for whom the award is named, was a respected leader and part of the original Lexington District One team in 1952, the press release said. He served the district for 36 years as a seventh-grade math teacher, principal and assistant superintendent responsible for personnel and federal programs. 

Each year, the Lexington One Educational Foundation presents this award in his memory to celebrate the lasting impact of exceptional administrators in the district. 

The Lexington One Educational Foundation, a nonprofit, was founded in 1994 and supports the growth and improvement of Lexington County School District One. Its mission is to “support the district’s educational programs and enrich the quality of life in our community by raising and managing funds.”

The foundation partners with organizations and individuals in order to benefit the schools, teachers and students.