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Michael Antonelli, Principal

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Michael began his career in education in 1999 after working in the architectural field for 4 years, predominantly in elementary and middle school design.  Feeling called to teach he became an elementary art teacher, first in Berkeley County and then at Pinckney Elementary in Mt. Pleasant.  At Pinckney, he was recognized as the Teacher of the Year in 2003 and a Top 5 Finalist for Charleston County Teacher of the Year.  Michael then served as Assistant Principal of Pinckney Elementary until 2006 when he opened Charleston's first Primary School, Laurel Hill Primary School, as principal.  Michael led Laurel Hill Primary until 2017 and during this time they were consistently recognized as the top Primary School in South Carolina.  In 2017 he had the opportunity to open Carolina Park Elementary School, which also experienced incredible success. Under Michael's leadership, both schools received Excellent Report Card Ratings from the State of South Carolina since 2006.  During this time a variety of school-level awards and recognition were attained including NAEYC Accreditation, SC Literacy Spot Award, SCPTA Award of Excellence, Riley SIC Award, and the Red Carpet Award. Michael has received the STAR Principal Award for CCSD and has also been a 2-time nominee for S.C. Elementary Principal of the Year. Michael's goal each day is to fulfill the mission of Carolina Park Elementary which is to be the school where teachers choose to teach, families want to send their children, and most importantly, students love to attend each and every day.

Michael has always been fortunate to live in the attendance zone of his schools and enjoys being a part of the school community.  Outside of school he loves to spend time with his wife and two children, cheer for Wando and Clemson and stay active either playing basketball or pickleball.