Clover to get a new principal

By Adam MacInnis - Adam MacInnis

CLOVER -- After exceeding expectations in Fort Mill, Tommy Schmolze has been tapped as Clover High School's next principal, the Clover school district announced Tuesday.

He'll replace Ron Wright on July 1, when Wright moves to an assistant superintendent post in the district.

Schmolze, 38, is principal of Fort Mill Middle School. He said he's honored to become principal of a school with Clover High's reputation of excellence, and he's looking forward to taking it to the next level.

Schmolze has a bachelor of arts in secondary education from Clemson University, a masters in school administration and supervision from Winthrop University and a doctorate of education from Nova Southeastern University.

He taught English at Northwestern High School in Rock Hill from 1993 until he was named assistant principal of Fort Mill Middle School in 1999. In 2005 he became principal of the school.

"We are excited to have a young man of his caliber," Clover Superintendent Marc Sosne said in a press release. "He has a proven track record of leadership and comes to us with outstanding references."

Wright is confident in Schmolze's leadership.

"He's a positive, go-getter, charismatic leader," Wright said. "We're all excited about him, and I think we've got a good person."

Schmolze lives in Rock Hill with his wife, Karen, and sons Kam, 10, and Collin, 7.

Keith Callicutt, Fort Mill superintendent, said that while the district is sad to lose Schmolze, they're happy to see him get the position.

"I am absolutely confident that he's going to do a marvelous job for them," Callicutt said. "He has exceeded our expectations here in Fort Mill."