🌱Reneé Atkinson Finalist For Teacher Of The Year + Kite Festival

Hey, everybody. It's Sunday in Myrtle Beach and I'm back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in town, including news on:

• Reneé Atkinson has been named a South Carolina Teacher of the Year Finalist!
• Death investigation leads to arrest!
• Kite Festival!

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and cool. High: 57 Low: 38.

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Here are the top three stories today in Myrtle Beach:

1. Reneé Atkinson has been named a South Carolina Teacher of the Year Finalist! SC Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver was at Aynor High School this week to announce that Atkinson is one of the five finalists for the state’s Teacher of the Year program. Atkinson is an Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) English teacher at Aynor High School. As one of five finalists, Atkinson will receive $10,000 and go on to the next stage of the competition, which involves an interview with a team of expert judges. The winner will be announced at the South Carolina Teacher of the Year Celebration on April 26 in Columbia. The winner receives $25,000 and is provided with a brand-new BMW to use while serving for one year as a roving ambassador. They will provide mentoring, attend speaking engagements, work with Teacher Cadets and Teaching Fellows, lead the State Teacher Forum and serve as the state spokesperson for over 55,000 educators. The Teacher of the Year program celebrates excellence and strengthens the teaching force by honoring and recognizing exceptional teachers on the district, state, and national levels. Congratulations Mrs. Atkinson we are rooting for you! (Horry County Schools via Facebook)
2. Children were found living in deplorable conditions after Horry County Police were called to a death investigation near Highway 814 on March 16th. According to wpde.com, "During the investigation, officers located the body of an elderly woman who was naked and lying in feces on the front porch. The death is under investigation. Reports said an autopsy will be performed next week. While officers were investigating the inside of the residence, they said the home was found in deplorable condition. The owner of the home, Krystal Pinkowski, 37, reportedly had children in her custody living in unsanitary conditions. Officers said the home had 16 dead animals inside and was infested with cockroaches. Pinkowski was arrested and a hold has been placed on her for animal cruelty charges and pending warrants for unlawful conduct toward a child, according to arrest warrants.(wpde.com)
3. It's a kite festival! Today from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. head over to Murrells Inlet Huntington Beach State Park to see some amazing kites. The festival includes kite demonstrations by Klig's Kites, professional demonstrations, live music, food trucks, inflatables and more. Hope to see you there! (wpde.com)

Today in Myrtle Beach:

• Marine Science Research Center Tour - Ripley's Aquarium in Myrtle Beach (3:00 PM)
• Eaglemania: Eagles Tribute (7:00 PM)

Myrtle Beach Photo Of The Day:

Would you like to see your photo in the Myrtle Beach Daily? Send one in. Be sure to give Patch permission to republish the photo, and tell us that you own the rights to the photograph. Send your pic to karena.garrity@patch.com.

From my notebook:

• North Myrtle Beach Police: "We've had a great week here at the North Myrtle Myrtle Beach Police Department. Today Officer Christian Galeno graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy and was sworn in as our newest Officer." (North Myrtle Beach Police via Facebook)
• Myrtle Beach Pelicans: "The wait is over. Single game tickets are on sale now! Get your tickets here: https://www.milb.com/myrtle-beach/tickets" (Myrtle Beach Pelicans via Facebook)
• North Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue: "Congratulations to our NMB Police Award recipients on a job well done!" (North Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue via Facebook)
• The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach: "Stray intake 03-17-23. Found in Murrells Inlet Please remember these animals are not up for adoption yet. The purpose of these posts are to reunite lost pets with their owners. Animals will be held for five days." (The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach via Facebook)
• House of Blues Myrtle Beach: "Grace Potter here at House of Blues 5/12. Get tickets using the link in our bio" (House of Blues Myrtle Beach via Instagram)

You're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Karena Garrity

About me: Journalism is in my veins. I have been a community reporter for the better part of the past 20 years. I love my community and I am honored to be a part of Patch.com. You can reach me at; karena.garrity@patch.com.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Myrtle Beach Patch newsletter? Contact me at karena.garrity@patch.com