3 Grand Strand, Pee Dee schools honored with 2025 Palmetto's Finest award
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — Three Grand Strand and Pee Dee schools were recognized Wednesday afternoon with one of the state's highest academic honors.
Socastee Elementary and the Academy for the Arts, Science, and Technology in Horry County Schools, and South Florence High School in the Florence School District 1 are among five schools honored with the 2025 Palmetto's Finest award by the South Carolina Association of School Administrators.
The other winners are Fairforest Elementary School in Spartanburg School District 6 and Thomas C. Cario Middle School in Charleston County.
It's the third consecutive year South Florence High School has received the award.
'Being named one of Palmetto's Finest is a tremendous honor that reflects the collective effort of our entire community,' Principal Shand Josey said in a news release. 'From our consistent academic growth and athletic success to the integration of the Florence One Center for the Arts, South Florence High School continues to thrive. Our innovative Freshman Academy model lays a strong foundation for student success and serves as an example for schools across the state. This recognition is a direct result of the dedication of our staff, the commitment of our students, and the unwavering support of our families and community. It affirms the progress we've made—and inspires us to keep reaching higher. And today, more than ever, it's a GREAT day to be a Bruin!'
Florence 1 Superintendent Richard O'Malley shared his excitement about the award.
'Ms. Josey and her staff have set the standard high at South Florence High School,' O'Malley said in the release. 'We have seen remarkable growth under her leadership and this award is a testament to the vision they have for excellence in all areas. We are thrilled to see their achievements being recognized as they are named the best high school in the state of South Carolina.'
The winners were announced on SCETV. A news release said each school 'underwent an intensive application process requiring self-evaluation, peer review, and two on-site examinations.'
'The application and visits verified evidence of exceptional student achievement, instructional programs, professional learning communities, and school culture,' the release said.
Socastee Elementary has more than 850 students, while the Academy for the Arts, Science, and Technology has about 570 students. South Florence High School has about 1,600 students on two campuses, one for grades 10 through 12 and one for a dedicated Ninth Grade Academy.
The SCASA is a professional organization for school leaders with more than 5,600 members. It's focus is to 'support school leaders in providing the best possible education for South Carolina's young people,' the news release said.
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Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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