Hanahan Middle, Marrington Middle Win Palmetto's Finest

Hanahan Middle and Marrington Middle School of the Arts were both recognized for innovation and presented with Palmetto's Finest Schools awards Monday during a televised event on SCETV. 

Eight finalists were named and five schools were selected for the award that recognizes innovation in education. The schools had progressed through an intensive application process requiring self-evaluation, peer review and on-site examinations. Student achievement is the foundation for all award criteria. S.C. Association of School Administrators presents the award annually.

All five schools recognized include:

• Fort Dorchester Elementary in Summerville, Dorchester District Two
• Hammond Hill Elementary in North Augusta, Aiken County Schools
• Hanahan Middle in Hanahan, Berkeley County Schools
• Ashley Ridge High in Summerville, Dorchester District Two
• Marrington Middle School of the Arts in Goose Creek, Berkeley County Schools

Here is the information released about Hanahan Middle by SCASA: 

Hanahan Middle (Hanahan, principal, Robin Rogers) is located on the southern edge of Berkeley County and serves 754 students in grades 5-8.  Since its opening fifty years ago, the school has had only four principals. The school is committed to academic excellence, community service, character development, and lifelong learning. The faculty takes advantage of professional development, and believes in lifelong learning for students, teachers, and administrators.  This commitment has garnered many awards such as Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School of Excellence Award, Red Carpet School, and countless other student and teacher awards for service and learning.

And, information released about Marrington: 

Marrington School of the Arts (Goose Creek, principal, James Spencer) serves over 300 students, 25% of which are from military families.  Their diverse talents in the fine arts allow students to give back to their community.  Marrington has achieved Palmetto Gold Awards in both Performance and Closing the Achievement Gap, earned a numerical score of 100 on the Federal Accountability System, and ranked above the national norm in ALL subject areas on the Explore test four years consecutively.  Named a National Blue Ribbon School this year, the school program provides enrichment opportunities for students as they pursue their quest for academic and artistic excellence. 

Each spring since 1978, SCASA has recognized a few schools which offer excellent instruction and outstanding leaders, augmented by strong family and community involvement and a supportive business community.