News

Four Choice schools named 2009 Palmetto Finest Finalist

January 15, 2009

Sixteen South Carolina schools have been selected as finalists for the 2009 Carolina First Palmetto's Finest Schools Awards based on extensive evaluations by fellow educators.  The list was announced by the South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA).  

Last fall, schools vying for recognition submitted applications and received an onsite review.  The screening process looks at student achievement, faculty training, program goals and teaching quality, office practices and community involvement.  The finalists are now undergoing a second onsite evaluation.

The coveted awards, sponsored by Carolina First Bank and SCASA, are presented each year to two elementary schools, one middle school, one high school and possibly one special category for schools such as charter and magnet schools.

Finalists will meet in Columbia on Monday, March 9, at the Koger Center for the Arts at 6:30 p.m. to learn which four or five have won top honors. The 16 finalists and their school districts are:

• Bell’s Crossing Elementary in Greenville County 
• Guinyard Elementary in Calhoun County
• McDonald Elementary in Georgetown County
• Midway Elementary in Anderson Five
• Oakland Elementary in Spartanburg Two
• Skyland Elementary in Greenville County
• Springfield Elementary in Greenwood 50
• West View Elementary in Spartanburg Six
• Lugoff-Elgin Middle in Kershaw County
• Riverside Middle in Greenville County
• Camden High in Kershaw County
• Loris High in Horry County
• Spring Valley High in Richland Two
• Wade Hampton High in Greenville County

The Carolina First Palmetto's Finest Award is celebrating its 31^st anniversary of recognizing schools that offer the best in innovative, effective educational programs. Other partners for the 2009 awards include Data Recognition Corporation, sponsor of a leadership reception before the March ceremony.  

SCASA is the professional organization for school leaders in the Palmetto State, with a membership of more than 2,800.  Its mission is to support school leadership in providing the best possible education for South Carolina's young people.