GEORGETOWN, S.C. — Tomorrow night’s the night when McDonald Elementary School will learn if it is one of Palmetto’s Finest. As reported in January, McDonald — for the third straight year —is one of only 16 schools in the state named as a finalist for the prestigious award. Since the nominations were announced, the school has been through an intensive application process requiring self-evaluation, peer review and on-site examinations. Information collected during that process will determine the winners, which will be announced Tuesday night. After the school lost out last year, Principal Miriam Daniels predicted her school would be named a finalist again in 2010. MES Assistant Principal Melissa Miller told the Times earlier this year “it’s very exciting to be chosen as a finalist again.” She said she felt good after the visit from the award’s nomination committee. “You can’t ever assume anything, but we felt good after that visit,” Miller said. “I think this says, from an outsider’s point of view, we are excelling in our programs compared to other schools.” The awards, sponsored by Carolina First, through a grant from the Carolina First Foundation, and the SC Association of School Administrators (SCASA), are presented each year to two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. The application process includes elements on student achievement, faculty training, program goals and teaching quality, office practices and community involvement. The other schools nominated are Loris Middle School, Fort Dorchester Elementary, Dorchester 2; Killian Elementary, Richland 2; Midway Elementary, Anderson 5; Oakland Elementary, Spartanburg 2; Springfield Elementary, Greenwood 50; Woodland Heights Elementary, Spartanburg 6; Dent Middle, Richland 2; Kelly Mill Middle, Richland 2; Riverside Middle, Greenville County; Wade Hampton High, Greenville County; and Wren High, Anderson 1. The Carolina First Palmetto’s Finest Award is celebrating its 32nd year and is one of the most coveted and respected awards among educators. Other partners for the 2010 awards include Data Recognition Corporation, which is sponsoring a leadership reception before the ceremony. The awards will be announced at the Koger Center for the Arts in Columbia. The Georgetown Times will be on hand for the ceremony and will provide updates on our website, www.gtowntimes.com, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.
By Scott Harper
sharper@gtowntimes.com
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