Newington Elementary dedicates new playground equipment to beloved former teacher Tommy Henry

DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – A school in Dorchester County is expanding its playground in honor of a beloved teacher who died amid a battle with cancer.

Tommy Henry was a special education teacher at Newington Elementary School and the leader of a mentoring club for boys at the school. He was also the recipient of the News 2 Cool Teacher award and was highlighted as a News 2 Everyday Hero.

To honor his legacy, the school held a groundbreaking ceremony Monday morning for the Phyzics Cresent Moon climbing set, which will be dedicated in Henry’s honor. School and district leaders, students, and members of Henry’s family gathered for the special event.

Newington Elementary Principal Rachel Cubbage said the community raised $25,000 for the new playground equipment in just a few months.

Cubbage said the space will offer new ways for students to engage in active play, which she called a fitting tribute to honor a teacher who gave so much to his students and community.

The playground equipment is expected to be delivered next week and will be in place by the first week of May.