Lexington County Sheriff James R. Metts presented Nancy Turner, retiring principal of White Knoll Middle School, with the Sheriff's Award, the highest honor the sheriff can bestow. 

Metts awarded Turner with a plaque on June 1 for her strong support of law enforcement while she served as principal of the middle school for 18 years.

“Nancy was highly committed to students, faculty and staff at White Knoll Middle School,” Metts said. “Her strong leadership will be greatly missed at White Knoll Middle School.”

Turner led efforts by students, parents, faculty and staff to collect donations to purchase a new fire truck to replace a fire truck that the New York City Fire Department lost in the terrorist attacks in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001, Metts said.

During her 36 years as an educator, Turner has received many honors. In 2008, the South Carolina Association of School Administrators named Turner the South Carolina Middle-Level Principal of the Year. Turner also received the MetLife National Association of Secondary School Principals State Principal of the Year Award and was recognized as a National Distinguished Principal by the National Association of Elementary School Principals.

Turner officially retires on June 30. Current Pelion Middle School Assistant Principal Guy A. Smith will take over as White Knoll Middle School principal on July 1.