COLUMBIA CHAMBER NAMES LOCAL EDUCATORS AS TEACHERS OF THE QUARTER

Winners announced at Chamber October and November Gather & Grow events 

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Columbia Chamber is pleased to announce LaTonya Jackson (Columbia High School) and Dr. Everlast Chigoba (Ridge View High School) as the Educator Excellence Teacher of the Quarter award winners.

The Educator Excellence Teacher of the Quarter Award, sponsored by Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union, recognizes outstanding educators from Richland One and Richland Two school districts. This quarterly award honors teachers who demonstrate exceptional dedication to their students, innovative teaching methods, and a commitment to community involvement. Each award winner also received $500 from Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union. 

"Educators are the heart of our community, and at Palmetto Citizens, we’re proud to honor those who go above and beyond to inspire, empower, and uplift the next generation," said Emilie Lewis, Director of Community Engagement at Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union. "Founded by local teachers, our credit union is deeply rooted in education, and we’re honored to continue that legacy by recognizing outstanding educators like LaTonya Jackson and Dr. Everlast Chigoba for the powerful difference they make every day."

LaTonya Jackson

LaTonya Jackson, a Columbia, South Carolina native, is a Licensed Addictions Counselor and Global Career Development Facilitator with over 20 years of experience in counseling, workforce development, and career advising. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Charleston Southern University and an M.A. in Counseling from Webster University. As the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) Specialist at Columbia High School, LaTonya has transformed the program into a model of empowerment — building partnerships with organizations such as the City of Columbia, Chase Bank, and Turning the Page to expand mentorship, financial literacy, and leadership opportunities for students.

Following the passing of her husband in 2021, LaTonya founded Choose Healing and Dare To Be Great, a nonprofit honoring his memory, where she offers grief counseling and support as a Certified Widow Life Coach. She is also a bestselling author of And Then She Bounced Back Again and Again, an inspiring book on resilience and healing. Whether guiding students or supporting those coping with loss, LaTonya is driven by a mission to help others find hope, purpose, and direction.

Dr. Everlast Chigoba

Dr. Everlast Chigoba is a computer science and mathematics educator at Ridge View High School in Columbia, South Carolina, where he inspires students to pursue excellence in STEM. Originally from Harare, Zimbabwe, he holds degrees in mathematics from the University of Zimbabwe and the University of Eastern Africa, as well as a degree in software engineering from Andrews University. He later earned his doctorate in education and was recognized as a College Board National African American Recognition Program Scholar for his academic achievements.

A dedicated educator and mentor, Dr. Chigoba is celebrated for his passion for student success and his commitment to community engagement. Since becoming a U.S. citizen in 2012, he has continued to make an impact both in and out of the classroom from presenting research at the South Carolina Junior Academy of Science to inspiring future computer scientists to pursue their dreams.

To nominate an educator for the Educator Excellence Teacher of the Quarter Award or learn more about the Chamber visit www.ColumbiaChamber.com. 

About Columbia Chamber
The Columbia Chamber is a private, nonprofit, Partner-driven organization comprised of 1,200 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions and individuals in Calhoun, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry and Richland counties. The Columbia Chamber serves as the voice of its Partners and the business community at large on matters of economic, educational, social, cultural and political concern, as well as supports and promotes the success of its Partners through networking, professional development, advocacy, and leadership. The organization has represented the interests of the local business community since 1902. 

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