One of Lexington County School District 3’s football coaches has a new title.

Batesburg-Leesville Middle School head football coach and Advancement Via Individual Determination teacher Jacob Prahst was recently named the district’s 2022-23 Teacher of the Year.

According to a release, Prahst was surprised with the honor during a special banquet on Oct. 6. He was one of four teachers vying for the title.

Prahst has been with District 3 since he moved to South Carolina in 2013, starting out as a sixth grade social studies teacher. He’s been Batesburg-Leesville Middle’s AVID teacher for six years, engaging students in a program designed to prepare them for college eligibility and success.

In the release, Prahst explains that he believes a successful teacher is one who works to create a strong connection with each and every student.

“To build these positive relationships, I have the task of connecting with the students on a personal level. I take the time to get to know each of my students through daily conversations,” he is quoted. “The goal is for this community to eventually turn into a family.” 

Outside of teaching and coaching, he likes to spend time with his family – whether that is at the lake or attending a University of South Carolina athletics event. His family includes his wife, Raime, along with their three children – Rya (11), Preslie (7) and Jak (5). He enjoys watching his eldest daughter dance, his middle daughter ride horses and his son play basketball.

Prahst came to the school with a bachelor’s degree in education from Bowling Green State University. He has since continued to pursue his education, earning a master’s in educational administration from Grand Canyon University. Currently, Prahst is working to earn a STEM Endorsement from Clemson University

The other finalists for Teacher of the Yearincluded Chelsea Shealy from Batesburg-Leesville Primary School, Meredith Green from Batesburg-Leesville Elementary School and Donielle Hartley from Batesburg-Leesville High School.

The finalists each represented one of Lexington 3’s four schools, which serve Batesburg-Leesville.