Latest news with #SouthFlorenceHighSchool
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Community pays respect to over 15,000 buried at Florence National Cemetery
FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) — With more than 15,000 buried at the Florence National Cemetery, those who came out on Memorial Day felt it was the least they could for the price that so many paid. 'It's amazing. Everyone wanted to come together all for the same reason,' director Anthony Ramos said. 'To honor our vets, our fallen veterans, and be able to come together as a whole, as a collective and do this ceremony.' Over 15,000 men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in some form or fashion are buried at Florence National Cemetery. Whether they're a spouse of a soldier, or a soldier themselves, Memorial Day gave the community the opportunity to show their appreciation. 'I feel like a lot of the veterans are forgotten about, and anything we can do to help their honor and have them recognized is something that we really need to do,' Mark Baur of Christian Motorcycle Association said. The keynote speaker, retired Naval officer Lt. Commander James Bethea Jr., is now over the Naval JROTC program at South Florence High School. He served for 30 years and says Memorial Day is more than just the start of summer. 'For those that have served in the military, Memorial Day holds a greater significance, as it commemorates the brave men and women who lost their lives defending our great nation,' Bethea said. The flags were put out in just over and hour and a half on Saturday, with the help of volunteers like the Boys and Girls Scouts, as well as other groups in the community. * * * Eric Cooper is a multimedia journalist at News13. He joined the team in September 2024 and covers stories in the Pee Dee. He is a native of Cades in Williamsburg County and a proud graduate of Kingstree Senior High School and Benedict College. You can read more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
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. * * * 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.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
West Florence High School administrator named nation's top assistant principal
WEST FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) — A West Florence High School administrator who founded a male mentoring program and helped expand STEM programming has been named America's top assistant principal. Saani Perry, who's been at the school since 2021, took home the honor this week at the National Educational Leadership Awards held Friday in Washington, D.C. 'Since his first day on campus, Mr. Perry has made it his mission to serve our student body, staff, and broader community with passion and purpose. This national recognition reflects what our school has long known—Mr. Perry is a transformative leader whose presence has changed lives,' West Florence High School said in a Friday Facebook post. Perry in December was selected as the state's top assistant principal by the South Carolina School Administrators Association, putting him in the running for national recognition. In a news release announcing his statewide win, South Florence High School senior Jalen Wallace said Perry's mentorship program Sharper Knights had a major impact on his life. 'This group has taught me many things about manhood and what it takes to be a leader,' Wallace said. 'Furthermore, Mr. Perry has taught me that anything is possible in life, and never to give up on my dreams.' * * * Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Yahoo
Jury selection begins for man charged in Myrtle Beach killing of South Florence football player
CONWAY, S.C. (WBTW) — Jury selection began Monday morning in the trial for an Effingham man charged with murder in the death popular South Florence High School football player. Tai'yuan Jackson also faces a slew of assault charges in connection with the Myrtle Beach killing of DyQuayvon Dickens in 2022. Jackson is one of four people charged in connection with Dickens' death. Man charged in deadly 2021 shooting sues Myrtle Beach police, others for $22M+ ahead of trial start More than 20 shots were fired in the area — a parking lot near Mr. Joe White Avenue and Withers Alley — which was highly populated at the time, according to information presented at a 2022 bond hearing for one of Jackson's co-defendants. The shooting happened at 1:30 a.m. Authorities claim that Dickens was shot 'without provocation.' Dickens was a multi-sport star, homecoming king and talented drummer at his Antioch Church. News13 has a crew in the courtroom on Monday and will have updates on-air and online. * * * Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. * * * Gracie is a multimedia journalist at News 13 and is from Cleveland, Ohio. Gracie joined the team in June 2023 after graduating from the University of Alabama in May. Follow Gracie on Facebook, Instagram and X, formerly Twitter, & read more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Yahoo
Man charged in deadly 2021 shooting sues Myrtle Beach police, others for $22M+ ahead of trial start
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — An Effingham man awaiting trial for his role in the 2021 shooting death of a popular South Florence High School football player says he's owed more than $20 million for repeated civil rights violations while in custody. Tai'yuan Jackson, in jail since 2022 on a murder charge tied to the killing of DyQuayvon Dickens in a Myrtle Beach parking lot, filed a 32-page suit in U.S. District Court's Florence division March 4. He's expected to make an appearance Monday in Horry County court, according to a trial roster. Jackson is one of four people charged in connection with Dickens' death. More than 20 shots were fired in the area — a parking lot near Mr. Joe White Avenue and Withers Alley — which was highly populated at the time, according to information presented at a 2022 bond hearing for one of Jackson's co-defendants. The shooting happened at 1:30 a.m. Authorities claim that Dickens was shot 'without provocation.' Dickens was a multi-sport star, homecoming king and talented drummer at his Antioch Church. Jackson-lawsuitDownload Jackson's handwritten complaint accuses Myrtle Beach investigators of planting a handgun in his truck and then twice searching it before obtaining a warrant. 'I've been fighting to get things heard forever and nothing's changing. I'm so distraught over this whole situation,' Jackson wrote. Jackson, who was 19 at the time of his arrest, said in addition to due process violations, authorities have defamed him through multiple bond denials and court statements. 'I was made out to be a menace to society. I received backlash from people all over the surrounding areas,' Jackson said. Jackson is charged with murder, three counts of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, unlawful carry of a handgun and for the possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Jackson's lengthy relief petition includes the following: $1.5 million for each year of his confinement $1.5 million for four violations of South Carolina's Code of Laws $5 million for violations of the 4th, 5th, 8th, 13th and 14th amendments $700,000 donation to the Florence County School District $1 million to Dickens' family $500,000 to Dickens' church $3 million in pain and suffering costs for his mother, father and brother 2023 Ford F-250 to replace the one he's lost since incarceration $500,000 to an area homeless shelter $300,000 for grandfather's medical expenses $7 million from Myrtle Beach Police Department $500,000 to an area Boys and Girls Club $500,000 to an area cancer center $200,000 to an area Salvation Army * * * Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
