Administration Team

Veteran educator Ralph Schmidt brings more than 40 years of experience in education and school leadership. Schmidt previously served as Assistant Superintendent for Lexington School District Three, overseeing all operations and human resources. Prior to that, he held numerous leadership positions in Richland Two, including Principal of Richland Northeast High School and Westwood High School, and Assistant Principal and Principal at Dent Middle School.

Schmidt’s career began as a physical education teacher and coach, and even after retiring, he returned to the classroom as a teacher at Rice Creek Elementary School. He has consistently demonstrated a commitment to building strong relationships with students, staff, and the community. He holds a B.S. in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation from Lander University and an M.Ed. in School Administration from the University of South Carolina. Schmidt is a retired member of the South Carolina Association of School Administrators.

Mr. Schmidt is excited to be a part of BENGAL NATION!

Benjara Elliott has served as an administrator at Blythewood High School since 2018. She has served the Richland Two Community as a science teacher since 2007.

Ms. Elliott is a proud graduate of South Carolina State University earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology, a Master of Arts in Teaching Science, and an Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration. She is a member of the South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA) and the South Carolina Alliance of Black School Educators (SCABSE). 

Ahmed Ali has served as an administrator at Blythewood High School since 2018. He has served the Richland Two community in various capacities and multiple locations since 2011. 

Mr. Ali went to the University of South Carolina and earned a Bachelor of Arts in History, a Masters of Arts in Secondary Social Studies, and a Masters of Arts in Educational Leadership. 

Greetings Bengals! I am Jeremi Madden, House 4 administrator at Blythewood High School. I have been with the BHS FAB team since January 2022 and in education overall since August 2007. It is a joy everyday to say that I get to be a Bengal and work with the best team in the district. I have been married since 2010 to my best friend Jen. We have two awesome kids, Grace and Miller, and a black lab mix named Ellie. Blythewood is a fantastic place to be and I feel proud to be a part of Bengal Nation!

Justin Simpson has served as an administrator at Blythewood HS since 2023.  He has over 20 years of experience as an educator and has served Richland Two as a science teacher and in other various roles since 2013.  He holds a BS in athletic training from the College of Charleston, along with a MAT in science education and MEd in Education Administration from the University of South Carolina.  Mr. Simpson is a member of the South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA).

Meranda Esters is in her second year as an assistant administrator and her first year serving at Blythewood High School. She brings 23 years of experience in education, including work in both brick-and-mortar and virtual school settings. Dr. Esters has been a proud member of the Richland Two community since 2013, previously serving as an English teacher. She holds a B.S. in Technology Teacher Education, a M.S. in Instructional Technology, an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership, and a Ph.D. in Instructional Systems and Workforce Development from Mississippi State University.

Jesse George began her career in education in Richland One in 2015, teaching 6th Grade Social Studies. She then earned a Masters Degree in Educational Administration from the University of South Carolina in 2020. Since then, she has taught 7th Grade Social Studies and the AVID Elective course in Lexington Two. Mrs. George is thrilled to join Bengal Nation this year as an Assistant Administrator.

Welcome to Bengal Nation!!  Sharlene Drakeford has served as the Director of School Counseling at Blythewood High School for 18 years.  She previously worked at Ridge View High School as the Director of School Counseling before transitioning to BHS.  She also worked as a School Counselor at Spring Valley High School and Sumter High School.  Ms. Drakeford began her career in education 27 years ago. Prior to education, Ms. Drakeford worked as a Child Protective Investigator with the Department of Social Services for six years.

Ms. Drakeford holds an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina in Lancaster and Bachelor of Social Worker from Winthrop University.  She completed a Masters and Education Specialist degree from the University of South Carolina in Elementary and Secondary School Counseling.  Ms. Drakeford earned National Board Certification in 2004 and recertification in 2014.  She is a member of the Palmetto State School Counseling Association (PSSCA) and the Palmetto Teacher Association. 

Lisa Ellis has been working in public schools since 2001. She has taught many levels and courses in English during her career as well as served as an Instructional Coach at a middle school. This is her 12th year as the Director of Student Activities, nine of which she served at Ridge View High School. She graduated from College of Charleston and has two Masters degrees, one from Clemson University and one from Columbia College.