Ashley Ridge High, Fort Dorchester Elementary Win Palmetto's Finest

Ashley Ridge High and Fort Dorchester Elementary 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.

Another Dorchester County School District Two school won the award in 2012: Beech Hill Elementary.

All five schools recognized in 2013 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 Ashley Ridge by SCASA: 

Ashley Ridge High (Summerville, principal, Karen Radcliffe) was established in 2006 and serves a diverse population of over 2100 students.  Teamwork, collaboration and community engagement drive the educational development of students and faculty.  From the student-led “Swamp Fresh Garden” where students plant, harvest, and sell their produce, to the annual “Swampfest,” where students with disabilities across the district engage with Ashley Ridge student volunteers for a field day, the Ashley Ridge experience fosters dialogue, integrity and excellence.  Ashley Ridge students lead the district in High School Assessment Program (HSAP) and Education Oversight Committee (EOC) test scores and place competitively against top South Carolina schools. 

And, information released about Fort Dorchester Elementary: 

Fort Dorchester Elementary (Summerville, principal, Harolyn Hess) is located in Summerville serving over 1100 students including families from 14 countries speaking 21 different languages.  As a Palmetto Gold school for two consecutive years, both overall and in closing the gap, they work closely with parents and the community to promote an engaging learning environment that provides real life learning opportunities.  They share this vision with all stakeholders because it is teamwork that is necessary for their vision to become a reality.  High achievement and integrity are expectations and students exhibit leadership skills through service to the community. 

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.