SPARTANBURG, SC -- Awards were recently presented to a student and instructor of the SMC Paralegal Certification Program at the program’s 2007 graduation luncheon. 

Program director Yvonne Harper presented the Instructor of the Year Award to Tony Leibert, an assistant solicitor with the 7th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.  The recipient is selected each year by students in the paralegal program to honor outstanding the instruction and guidance.  

“I am very honored to have been recognized.  I was totally surprised there was even such an award!  I love teaching the students in the paralegal program; they display great maturity and eagerness to learn  It is refreshing to have students who want to learn the law and truly make a difference in the lives of others.” says Leibert. 

Leibert has worked in the solicitor’s office for 12 years. Prior to that, he served for two years as a staff attorney with the S.C. Department of Social Services. 

He has served as an instructor for the Paralegal Program for two years, having taught various courses including Legal Ethics, Family Law, Social Security, Juvenile Law, Criminal Law and he introduced the program’s Cybercrime course this past summer. 

“Tony is the ideal instructor. He is knowledgeable about the subject matter he teaches; he is committed to educating and inspiring our students; and he is a team player – doing whatever is necessary to ensure his  class provides a positive experience for our students.  He brings the same passion to the classroom that he brings to the courtroom.  The SMC Paralegal Certificate Program is extremely fortunate to have Tony Leibert be a part of our program,” says Yvonne Harper, director of the paralegal program. 

Leibert  was recognized this past spring as recipient of the 2007 South Carolina Champion of Children Award presented by the SC Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers is honor of  his securing more than 60 convictions against people who committed sex crimes against children. 

Also presented during the luncheon was the Liz Patterson Student of the Year honor, which was awarded to Mrs. Sharon Easler. 

“Sharon was recognized for her academics, good moral character, confidence and leadership abilities.  She has consistently demonstrated her abilities in the classroom, and we believe she shows exceptional promise for the paralegal profession,” says Harper. 

Easler is a paralegal for Beverly D. Jones, with the Harrison, White, Smith, and Coggins law firm in Spartanburg. She plans to continue her employment with the firm after graduation. 

“I am absolutely honored to receive this award.  I cannot compliment the paralegal program at Spartanburg Methodist College enough.  My application of what I have learned has expanded and enhanced my job performance at Harrison, White, Smith & Coggins.  I was very inspired by the knowledgeable instructors and Yvonne Harper, the director of the program.  I would also like to thank my husband and daughter for all their support,” says Easler.      

Easler is married to Scott Easler. They have one child, Meagan, and reside in Chesnee. 

The SMC Paralegal Certification Program will hold its 2007 graduation at 3:30 pm on Sunday, Oct. 28. 

Spartanburg Methodist College is in its 96th year of providing a quality education to students in a Christian environment. More than 90 percent of SMC graduates continue their education at other institutions of higher learning.  

For further information on the program, please contact director Yvonne Harper at (864) 587-4278.

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(Above, l-r) Yvonne Harper, director of the Spartanburg Methodist College Paralegal Program, presents the annual Liz Patterson Student of the Year Award to Sharon Easler.

(Above, l-r) Harper presents the annual Instructor of the Year Award to Tony Leibert.