Administration Team

Pilot

Clarissa Bennett was appointed as the second principal of RTE effective January 2021. She has served as Assistant Principal at RTE from 2011 through 2020. Prior to her transition into administration, she served as a Speech-Language Pathologist at RTE from 2004 through 2011, at Richland School District One from 1999 to 2004, and in Beaufort County School District from 1997 through 1999. 

Mrs. Bennett received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Pathology & Audiology in 1997, Master of Arts degree in Speech Pathology in 2001, and Education Specialist degree in 2005 from South Carolina State University. In addition to her certification with the SC Department of Education, she possesses her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
 
Her professional beliefs include:  

• Promoting empowered partnerships with educators, families, and the school community.
• Supporting all students in their pursuit of academic achievement within nurturing environments.
• Engaging, challenging, meaningful, and memorable learning experiences.
• Motivating others to pursue lifelong learning.
• "Multiplying" leadership capacity in others within the school community.

Mrs. Bennett is originally from Beaufort, SC. She is the daughter of two USMC veterans, her father having served as a Drill Instructor at Parris Island. She resides in Blythewood with her husband and is the proud parent of two former Aviators. She enjoys movies, traveling, puzzles, coloring, and spending time with her family. 

Contact Information:

• Email: cbennett@richland2.org
• Phone: (803) 691-8676 ext. 26109
• FAX: (803) 691-8677
• @cvegabennett on Twitter

Co-Pilot (CD-2nd Assistant Principal)

Round Top Elementary School is proud to announce the appointment of Richard Holt as the new Assistant Principal, effective July 2025. Holt brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to student success, making him a valuable addition to the Round Top leadership team. 

Holt earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Austin Peay State University in Tennessee, followed by his Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Capella University in 2015. He currently serves as an Assistant Administrator at Richland Northeast High School in Richland School District Two, a position he has held since August 2022. In this role, his ability to build strong relationships with staff, families, and the community has positively impacted student outcomes and school culture.

Before stepping into administration, Holt dedicated 10 years to teaching science at Blythewood Academy (2012–2022) and had previous teaching experience at Fairfield Central High School (2008–2012). As a science teacher, he was known for his innovative instructional methods, ability to adapt to students' unique learning needs, and commitment to professional growth. His focus on student engagement and achievement has shaped countless learners and inspired his peers.

Holt is a devoted, focused, and enthusiastic leader, committed to building positive relationships with parents, students, faculty, and staff. His passion for building partnerships and nurturing connectedness within the school community has been the driving force behind his success as an educator and administrator. His proven leadership skills and passion for education align perfectly with our vision to create an environment where All Who Enter Learn to SOAR! We are confident that his leadership will continue to drive excellence at Round Top.

Please join us in welcoming Mr. Richard Holt to Round Top Elementary and congratulating him on this well-deserved promotion.

Contact Information:

• Email: rholt@richland2.org 
• Phone: (803) 691-8676 ext. 26116
• FAX: (803) 691-8677

Co-Pilot (3rd-5th Assistant Principal)

Alison Whisenant has been serving as the 3rd-5th grade Assistant Principal since 2022. She has served Richland Two and the Blythewood community for over 20 years. She began her career teaching Language Arts in Auburn City Schools and in Lexington District Two. She taught Language Arts at Blythewood Middle for 13 years. Mrs. Whisenant served as the Curriculum Effectiveness Specialist at Muller Road Middle for six years where she led professional learning to support school and district initiatives, including: Read to Succeed, AVID, 7 Mindsets, Mastery Connect, and more. 

Mrs. Whisenant holds a Masters of Education degree in Educational Administration and a Masters of Education Degree in Secondary Education from the University of South Carolina. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education from Auburn University. She is a National Board Certified Teacher and has recertified twice.

Mrs. Whisenant has called South Carolina home for over 25 years after growing up in 9 different states in a military family. She and her husband, Chris, have two children, Avery and Kyle, who have both attended Richland Two since preschool. She enjoys watching her kids play sports, traveling, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Contact Information:

Email: awhisena@richland2.org
Phone: (803) 691-8676 ext. 26103
FAX: (803) 691-8677
@WhisenantEDU on Twitter