Categories: School News

Three Schools in South Carolina Earn Prestigious Palmetto’s Finest Honor

The recognized schools for the 2025 Palmetto’s Finest Honor: Socastee Elementary, the Academy for the Arts, Science, and Technology, and South Florence High School.

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News Summary

Three esteemed schools from the Grand Strand and Pee Dee regions have been awarded the 2025 Palmetto’s Finest Honor by SCASA. Socastee Elementary, the Academy for the Arts, Science, and Technology, and South Florence High School have demonstrated excellence in education and community engagement. This recognition highlights their commitment to student achievement and innovative teaching methods, alongside community involvement. The awards process includes comprehensive evaluations and assessments by educational leaders, reaffirming the importance of quality education across South Carolina.

Three Grand Strand and Pee Dee Schools Awarded 2025 Palmetto’s Finest Honor for Excellence in Education

Myrtle Beach, SC – The South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA) has announced the winners of the 2025 Palmetto’s Finest award, recognizing excellence in education among schools across the state. Socastee Elementary and the Academy for the Arts, Science, and Technology from Horry County, along with South Florence High School from Florence School District 1, have been distinguished with this prestigious accolade.

This year’s winners were disclosed during an announcement broadcast on SCETV on April 30, 2025. In addition to the schools in the Grand Strand and Pee Dee regions, Fairforest Elementary School from Spartanburg School District 6 and Thomas C. Cario Middle School from Charleston County were also honored.

Notably, South Florence High School has achieved this recognition for the third consecutive year, highlighting its consistency in maintaining high educational standards and fostering a supportive community environment. The school serves approximately 1,600 students across two campuses, which include a dedicated Ninth Grade Academy designed for incoming freshmen and upper-level grades 10-12.

A Commitment to Excellence

The Palmetto’s Finest awards process entails a comprehensive evaluation that encompasses a rigorous application process, self-evaluations, peer reviews, and in-depth on-site examinations. Schools are primarily assessed on various factors, including student achievement, instructional programs, professional learning communities, and the overall school culture.

Principal Shand Josey of South Florence High School highlighted that the award symbolizes the collective efforts of the community and reflects the school’s significant accomplishments in various areas, including academics, athletics, and arts integration. Florence 1 Superintendent Richard O’Malley commended the school’s leadership and ongoing growth, emphasizing the positive trajectory of educational excellence.

Meanwhile, Socastee Elementary, which accommodates over 850 students, and the Academy for the Arts, Science, and Technology, with roughly 570 students, share a commitment to providing quality education tailored to the needs of their diverse student populations. Both schools have implemented innovative teaching methods and curricula that have contributed to their recognition.

Understanding Palmetto’s Finest Awards

The Palmetto’s Finest awards have been a hallmark of educational excellence in South Carolina since their inception in 1978, recognizing outstanding elementary, middle, and high schools across the state. Typically, each year, the awards honor two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, providing recognition to institutions that exemplify best practices in education and community engagement.

The initiative is a part of SCASA’s ongoing mission to support school leaders and promote effective school governance across South Carolina. With over 5,600 members, SCASA plays a pivotal role in fostering educational advancements and facilitating leadership development among educational professionals.

As schools such as Socastee Elementary, the Academy for the Arts, Science, and Technology, and South Florence High School continue to push the boundaries of educational success, they set a standard for others to follow, redefining what is possible within their communities. The recognition from SCASA is not just an endpoint but a motivating factor for ongoing improvements and achievements within these educational institutions.