Brookland-Cayce High School EDUCATOR HALL OF FAME
MR. JERRY SANDERS CHITTY Inducted 2006
On the path to being an educator from birth, Mr. Jerry Sanders Chitty was born in Olar, South Carolina, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Chitty. His mother taught school for 42 years, and his father was a farmer and worked at the Federal Land Bank. Jerry's mother taught him in grades one through three. She instilled in him a love for learning and her joy in helping students. A 1958 graduate of Denmark-Olar High School, Jerry was President of the Student Body and was honored with All-State in three sports—baseball, football, and basketball. His trait as a team player was begun in his high school days. Jerry learned early to listen to other points of view and proceed with those ideas fiat were best for the group. He attended Presbyterian College on an athletic scholarship. Working with children at the Thorwell Orphanage during his college career convinced Jerry that education would be his life work. He graduated from Presbyterian in 1962 and taught 1 year prior to going into the army. He served in Germany as a First Lt. Airborne Ranger Infantry officer for 2 1/2 years. Jerry's continuous career in education began in 1965, when he taught and coached at Williston-Elko High School. The next year he taught and coached at Airport High School. From 1967 to 1972, he taught U.S. History and coached basketball at Bamberg-Ehrhart High School. Jerry came home to District II in 1973 to be an Assistant Principal at Brookland-Cayce High School in 1973. He served until 1976, when he went to Saluda River Elementary School as Principal for five years. In 1981, Jerry became Assistant Superintendent for Instruction in Lexington District II, a position held until 1994 when he retired. Jerry worked with Newberry College's Athletic Department until 2005. In the meantime, he was elected to the Lexington II School Board, where he still serves. He has been Chairman of the Board three times. During his tenure, both the new Northside and Busbee Middle Schools have been built. In all areas of employment, Jerry is known for his positive attitude and his desire to find solutions to problems. Jerry's motto has always been "It's all about the children." His motivation as a coach, a teacher, and a school board member has been to see that children receive every opportunity to learn and have materials to do so. His caring nature and his personal warmth have endeared him to children, faculties, staff, and parents. He has reminded educators often that their purpose is helping "kids" obtain tools they can use to be successful in life, including knowing their own personal value. Jerry has been honored professionally by being named Basketball Coach of the Year/Teacher of the Year three times each, and in 1970 Outstanding Educator in Bamburg County. In 1970 he took his basketball team to the State Championship title. Students voted him the recipient of the Student-Faculty Service Award at B-C in 1976, and Scott Newman, Student Body President — the same Newman who is Principal at B-C today — presented the award. Jerry and his wife, Betsy, whom he calls his best friend, have a son Scott and a daughter Liz Castles, a son-in-law Dr. Trey Castles, and three very important little people—Tradd, Sanders, and Sullivan Castles. Jerry also has a brother Charles who lives in Beaufort. Jerry and Betsy are members of Mt. Hebron Methodist Church, where he has served on various boards and committees. A "people person," Jerry has a knack for telling stories. His terrific sense of humor helps him deal with all types of people. His warmth and positive attitude draw people to him and help him serve as an inspiration for hard work. His sense of fairness is based on the idea that "No one is better than anyone else." Yes, that philosophy is the guiding force of Jerry Chitty, Educator.

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