Matt Schilit, the dedicated principal of Airport High School, has recently been honored as Principal of the Year by the South Carolina Council for Exceptional Children. This prestigious award recognizes his unwavering commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all students, particularly those with special needs. The council’s mission is to “improve educational outcomes and quality of life of individuals with exceptionalities and their families through the actions of professionals, advocates and other agencies.”
Schilit's journey to this accolade began with a surprise email on a Sunday afternoon. "I was randomly checking my emails and saw the title 'South Carolina Principal of the Year.' I clicked on it and found out I was nominated and selected for this award," Schilit recalls. His excitement was palpable, yet he chose to share the news modestly with his administrative team. However, his team couldn't contain their pride and soon the entire faculty was celebrating his achievement.
The recognition was further amplified at a Lexington 2 school board meeting, where Schilit discovered that his nomination came from the Special Education Department at Airport High School. This revelation was particularly meaningful for Schilit, who is the parent of an 11-year-old special needs son.
"It's personal to me, for my family and professionally,” says Schilit. “I work extremely hard to make sure our environment is inclusive and welcoming to all."
Under Schilit's leadership, Airport High School has become a beacon of inclusivity. The Special Education Department mirrors his philosophy of leading with heart. The department's dedication is evident in their daily interactions with students, providing not only academic support but also life skills and social experiences.
"You can't teach heart; either you have it or you don't, and they've got it," Schilit emphasizes. “The biggest compliment I can give our program is that it is where I would want my son to be. These professionals do a wonderful job daily of loving people's children, accepting them, but then pushing them to prepare for whatever's next in life. I'm really focused on that.”
One of the standout initiatives at Airport High School is the daily Special Olympics physical education class. Students without learning differences are chosen by faculty to work and play alongside special needs students, fostering a sense of community and mutual respect. The school also hosts a pop-up store in one of its classrooms, where students learn essential life skills such as shopping and handling money.
Schilit is particularly proud of the upcoming Special Olympics Spring Games, set to take place at Airport High School on April 11, 2025 for the first time in the school’s history.
"More than 100 Airport High School students will host hundreds of K-12 students from area school districts, volunteering their time to create a memorable experience for all involved,” says Schilit.
Beyond these initiatives, Airport High School runs the Eye of the Eagle Cafe, a coffee shop managed entirely by special needs students and their teachers. Students prepare and deliver orders to fellow students, faculty and staff. The program provides practical experiences while instilling pride and accomplishment in the students who participate.
Reflecting on his time at the University of South Carolina's College of Education, Schilit credits his education for preparing him for his role as principal.
"The experiences I've had since I started at USC have made me the person I am today,” says Schilit. “The program did a really good job of preparing me for this career. I’m at a point now where I can be the person who helps the next generation.”
Schilit gives back to his alma mater by serving on the USC Principal Advisory Group and mentoring current students with Professor Suzy Hardie.