News Summary
The South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA) has announced the winners of the 2024-25 Palmetto’s Finest awards, honoring schools for outstanding student achievement and innovative practices. The awards recognize excellence in instructional programs, school culture, and professional learning communities. This year’s ceremony will celebrate the accomplishments of the selected schools in a live-streamed event on April 30. Jennifer A. Stanley has also been appointed as the principal of the upcoming South Lake Elementary School, demonstrating ongoing commitment to quality education in South Carolina.
Columbia, South Carolina – The South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA) announced the winners of the 2024-25 Palmetto’s Finest awards on Wednesday afternoon, celebrating schools recognized for their exceptional student achievement and innovative educational practices.
Two elementary schools were awarded in the elementary school category, while Thomas C. Cairo Middle School from the Charleston County School District took home the top honors in the middle school category. The runner-up for the middle school distinction was McCants Middle School located in Anderson School District 5. Additionally, winners for the high school category were also revealed, though specific details on those schools were not provided.
The awards program recognizes institutions that exemplify excellence in various areas, including instructional programs, professional learning communities, and overall school culture. The SCASA Executive Director emphasized that this year’s winners set a standard of achievement and innovation, reflecting the best in South Carolina’s schools.
The prestigious Palmetto’s Finest awards have been a tradition in South Carolina since 1978, typically acknowledging two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school each academic year. Last year’s winners included a middle school from the Midlands, although specific details were not shared in the announcement.
Fort Dorchester High School, part of the Dorchester School District 2, has also gained recognition as one of twelve finalists for the 2025 Palmetto’s Finest Awards. This high school has been acknowledged for its outstanding instructional programs and student success, as well as its supportive professional learning communities and vibrant school culture. The selection process for the awards involved a comprehensive 20-page application and onsite evaluations conducted by educators and previous award winners.
The winners of this year’s Palmetto’s Finest Awards will be publicly honored in a live-streamed event, scheduled for April 30, allowing students, parents, and the community to celebrate the accomplishments of these outstanding schools.
In addition to the awarding of Palmetto’s Finest recognitions, the Lexington County School District One Board of Trustees approved Jennifer A. Stanley as the principal of the upcoming South Lake Elementary School, with her appointment effective July 1, 2024. Stanley brings over 24 years of educational experience and previously served as the principal of Lake Murray Elementary School. Under her leadership, Lake Murray received the National Blue Ribbon School designation in 2019 and was recognized as a 2023 Palmetto’s Finest School.
As South Carolina’s educational landscape continues to evolve, the Palmetto’s Finest Awards remain a beacon of commitment to excellence within schools, recognizing the hard work and dedication of educators and the accomplishments of students across the state.
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Additional Resources
- WIS TV: SCASA Announces 2024-25 Palmetto’s Finest Awards
- WIS TV: Lexington One Middle School Named One of Palmetto’s Finest Schools
- Post and Courier: FDHS Among 12 Finalists for Palmetto’s Finest Awards
- Southwest Lexington Ledger: Stanley Set to Lead Lexington One’s New South Lake Elementary School
- WLTX: Palmetto’s Finest Announced; Two Schools Win
- Wikipedia: Education in South Carolina
- Google Search: Palmetto’s Finest Awards
- Google Scholar: Palmetto’s Finest Awards
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Google News: Palmetto’s Finest Awards
