Hand Middle School family and consumer sciences teacher Lanier Lebby Alston has been named a 2026 American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) National Teacher of the Year Merit Finalist.
The recognition highlights “the invaluable contributions of educators who inspire and empower students to succeed in family and consumer sciences.”
Alston was named one of two Merit Finalists nationwide and was the only teacher from South Carolina to be recognized as one of the association’s Teachers of the Year.
She was recognized for her Scarves of Comfort community service program, which was created to address some of the current challenges within our community such as homelessness, recycling and animal welfare. Through the program, students from Hand’s family and consumer sciences club create pillows, scarves and blankets that are donated to organizations such as Richland County Animal Services and The Bair Foundation Child and Family Ministries.
“I am excited to have been selected as an AAFCS National Teacher of the Year Merit Finalist. This recogni-
