The enduring story of Mrs. June Hylton Timmerman, the beloved June Bugg Show on South Carolina ETV, and over seven decades of academic excellence, character, and whole-child education in the Midlands.
In 1954, Mrs. June Hylton Timmerman founded The Timmerman School in Columbia, South Carolina. A graduate of Anderson College who began her teaching career in Alabama before marrying Clemson cadet John A. Timmerman, June envisioned an independent school where high academic expectations, strong Christian morality, and personal teacher attention would guide every child along “The Road to Success.”
In 1969, South Carolina Educational Television (SCETV) premiered The June Bugg Show, a daily children’s program broadcast across the state from SCETV’s Columbia studios. Hosted by educator June Timmerman, the show brought local school children into the studio and invited young television viewers statewide to be “good June Buggs” through kindness, manners, curiosity, and respect. For over a decade, Mrs. Timmerman became a household name and trusted educational presence in living rooms throughout South Carolina.
On March 11, 2005, Governor Mark Sanford presented Mrs. June Timmerman with the Order of the Palmetto—the highest civilian honor awarded by the State of South Carolina. The award celebrated her extraordinary six-decade devotion to educating Midlands youth, her philanthropy sending Appalachian young women to secondary school, her generous support of children at the Carolina Children’s Home, and the countless families blessed by her quiet benevolence every Christmas.
Following Mrs. June Timmerman’s passing in May 2014 at the age of 87, the school’s founding mission continued without pause under her daughter, Principal Elizabeth “Liz” Jordan. With over seven decades of family stewardship, Timmerman remains an independent, nonsectarian 2K through 8th grade community where every student is known by name, encouraged by devoted teachers, and held to the timeless standards that defined its founding.
Today, Timmerman blends classic foundations with contemporary innovation. The school earned SCISA STEAM Accreditation in 2018; faculty leaders Allison Clark and Tanya Allen were named SCISA Master Teachers in 2023; the middle and lower school math teams placed on state podiums; and Timmerman is recognized as a National Beta Club School of Distinction. From the Donna Moody Memorial Garden to student-led Market Days donating to animal rescue, the Timmerman spirit thrives.
From a single visionary classroom in 1954 to an accredited SCISA STEAM campus with statewide academic and athletic championships.
Mrs. June Hylton Timmerman, a graduate of Anderson College who began her teaching career in Alabama before marrying Clemson cadet John A. Timmerman, founded The Timmerman School in Columbia, South Carolina. Built on individual teacher attention, high academic standards, and Christian character, the school set generations of Midlands children upon “The Road to Success.”
South Carolina Educational Television launched The June Bugg Show as a daily children’s broadcast originating from Columbia studios. Hosted by Mrs. Timmerman, the program welcomed local school children into the studio and invited young viewers statewide to be “good June Buggs” through kindness, manners, and curiosity.
“Hosted by educator June Timmerman and features local children, who are encouraged to be ‘good June Buggs’ by exhibiting good behavior.”
— South Carolina ETV, 1969 Broadcast Archive
Timmerman expanded its permanent campus at 2219 Atascadero Drive in Forest Acres to serve preschool through middle school students. The school established dedicated science laboratories, competitive athletics, performing arts, and the specialized LOGIC learning support program for individualized instruction.
On March 11, 2005, Governor Mark Sanford presented Mrs. June Timmerman with the Order of the Palmetto—the State of South Carolina’s highest civilian honor—in recognition of her 60-year devotion to education. The commendation recognized her classroom leadership and lifelong philanthropy, including funding secondary education for Appalachian young women, supporting children at Carolina Children’s Home, and providing complete Christmas provisions for Midlands families.
Following Mrs. June Timmerman’s passing in May 2014 at the age of 87, the school continued under the leadership of her daughter, Principal Elizabeth “Liz” Jordan. With over seven decades of continuous family stewardship, Timmerman remains an independent, nonsectarian 2K through 8th grade community where every student is known and encouraged.
In 2018, faculty leaders Tanya Allen, Tabitha Burch, and Allison Clark guided Timmerman School to formal SCISA STEAM Accreditation. In 2023, Lower School Director Allison Clark and educator Tanya Allen were inducted as SCISA Master Teachers. Today, Timmerman celebrates National Beta Club School of Distinction status, statewide math competition podium finishes, and championship athletics.