Dr. Ronald Epps receives an award from Nathalie Gregg, executive director of the PIE Foundation.

Dr. Ronald L. Epps resigned in January from his position as superintendent of Richland One schools to join the California–based Stupski Foundation. Monday night, February 21, he was honored by the Partners in Education (PIE) Foundation at the Columbia Convention Center.

Entertainment was provided by the excellent Columbia High Jazz Ensemble, the dazzling Logan West African Drum and Dance Ensemble, the unique Eau Claire Trombone Choir, the better–than–any American Idol Olivia Carbone of AC Flora High School, and the Mountain and Miracles Tribute Choir made up of Richland One employees.

Mayor Bob Coble praised Dr. Epps’s six years in Columbia and said, “Public education is under assault. We must do everything possible to continue Dr. Epps’s legacy.”

Vince Ford, Richland One school board member, said, “Ron Epps is a godly man…no matter what other people say. He always continued to rise above it all, no matter what the crisis.”

Dr. Epps was also praised by Ron Anderson, vice chair of the PIE Foundation Board, Sen. Kay Patterson, and Nathalie Gregg, new executive director of the PIE Foundation. Richland One TV producer Chrystal Burgess presented a video montage of Epps–isms such as “When the horse dies, get off,” “After the mountains, more mountains,” and “Celebrate the miracles.”

In conclusion, Dr. Epps introduced his wife, and his brother and sister who had flown in from Kansas for the occasion. He graciously thanked all those who worked with him to improve student achievement in the district, noting in particular the school board (“a most thankless job”), his cabinet, his secretary Shirley Price (“I ran the district, but she ran me.”), teachers, support staff, children and their families (“It’s not just a matter of skill, it’s a matter of will.”) and the PIE Foundation Board. Epps said his first rule was to do no harm which he always followed. Then he progressed to doing good and finally performing miracles. He reminded the audience, “The work for the children is never finished. After the mountains, there are always more mountains.”