Two Schools Selected as Palmetto's Finest Finalists

Dorchester County School District Two has two schools listed as finalists in the 2013 Palmetto's Finest Schools Awards: Fort Dorchester Elementary and Ashley Ridge High,

The statewide award recognizes student achievement, instructional programs, professional learning communities, and school culture.

Last fall, 18 South Carolina schools submitted a 20-page application and received an onsite examination visit by a review committee. The eight finalists are now undergoing a second onsite evaluation. The finalist schools will gather in their schools 4 p.m. Monday, March 11, at 4:00 p.m. to learn which have won the top honors. SC ETV will stream the announcement live to each of the finalist schools.

The 8 finalists are as follows:

• Fort Dorchester Elementary, Dorchester Two
• Hammond Hill Elementary, Aiken County
• Jesse Boyd Elementary, Spartanburg 7
• Cross Roads Middle, Lexington District 5
• Hanahan Middle, Berkeley County
• Ashley Ridge High, Dorchester Two
• East Clarendon Middle/High, Clarendon 3
• Marrington Middle School of the Arts, Berkeley County

The SC Association of School Administrators presents the awards each year to schools which offer the best in innovative, effective educational programs. The Palmetto’s Finest Award is celebrating its 35th year and is one of the most coveted and respected awards among South Carolina Association of School Administrators.

“We are pleased to offer this recognition for outstanding and innovative schools. They represent the many excellent school communities serving South Carolina’s families,” said Molly Spearman, SCASA executive director.

SCASA is the professional organization for school leaders in South Carolina, with a membership of more than 3,300.