Categories: School News

Horry County Schools Earn Prestigious Palmetto’s Finest Award

Students engaging with AI tools to enhance their learning experience at Horry County Schools.

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News Summary

Five schools in Horry County and Florence have been recognized for their exemplary educational practices by being named winners of the 2025 Palmetto’s Finest list. This achievement highlights their commitment to innovation and excellence in education. The schools underwent a rigorous evaluation process, including peer reviews and on-site visits. Notably, Horry County Schools is integrating artificial intelligence to enhance learning experiences while ensuring ethical practices in its usage. The district aims to prepare students for a technology-driven future through careful implementation of AI.

Florence, SC – Five schools in Horry County and Florence have been commended for their exemplary educational practices by being named among the five winners of the 2025 Palmetto’s Finest list. This prestigious recognition was announced on Wednesday through a broadcast by SCETV.

The evaluation process for the award was rigorous, encompassing self-evaluations, peer reviews, and two on-site visits to ensure the schools met high standards of innovation and excellence in education. Dr. Quincie Moore, who serves as the Executive Director of the South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA), expressed admiration for the winners, noting their commitment to exhibiting innovative practices and high educational standards.

SCASA is an influential professional organization representing over 5,600 school leaders across South Carolina, focusing on enhancing the professional development and effectiveness of educators. The announcement not only recognizes the achievements of the awarded schools but also highlights the importance of effective educational practices throughout the state.

Among the key initiatives being embraced by Horry County Schools (HCS) is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the educational environment. Superintendent Clifford Jones has been a strong advocate for the responsible use of AI, suggesting it has great potential to enhance educational outcomes when used judiciously. HCS aims to become a leader in the adoption of AI, concentrating on personalized learning methods that provide educators with advanced tools for lesson planning and instruction.

The district is actively working to implement a position statement regarding the use of AI in educational contexts, which includes training for teachers to prepare them for its integration into the classroom. In the 2024-25 school year, professional development sessions for teachers focused on the educational strategies surrounding AI and personalizing lessons to meet diverse student needs.

In response to the evolving educational landscape, HCS has also relaxed restrictions on AI-related websites to enable student access to useful classroom tools. The district emphasizes that AI tools are meant to support learning processes rather than replace traditional teaching methodologies. By utilizing AI, HCS seeks to improve student engagement through customized educational experiences.

While the potential for AI to revolutionize educational practices is considerable, HCS is mindful of concerns regarding possible misuse, including plagiarism. The district is committed to ethical practices in AI usage and aims to establish clear boundaries to guide students in its responsible use. Furthermore, while AI technologies offer new learning opportunities, the importance of building personal relationships in education remains paramount, an aspect that AI cannot duplicate.

Plans are underway to introduce AI ethics courses within high schools, with efforts to ensure transparency regarding AI expectations in classroom syllabi. These initiatives reflect a broader objective of preparing students for future careers, adapting educational strategies to align with technological advancements. Superintendent Jones has highlighted that although AI offers exciting prospects, it also presents challenges that educational institutions must navigate thoughtfully.

The overarching goal of HCS is to enhance learning spaces and improve educational effectiveness while ensuring that educators are not overwhelmed by technological changes. Through careful integration of AI and a commitment to innovation, the district seeks to foster an educational environment that prepares students for a technology-driven future.