Clover High School is a finalist for top SC award almost 20 years since last area win
Clover High School is a finalist for one of the top awards a public school in South Carolina can receive.
Clover High is among 10 finalists for the 2023 Palmetto’s Finest awards. The group was narrowed from a field twice that size of schools that submitted 20-page applications last fall detailing student achievement, instructional programs, school culture and more. Educators and previous winners selected the finalists. The review committee also visited finalist schools.
A second evaluation comes before winners are selected this spring. Winners will be announced mid-March through a live stream at the finalist schools.
Beth Phibbs, South Carolina Association of School Administrators executive director, said in an announcement the finalists represent outstanding and innovative schools.
“They represent the many excellent school communities serving our state’s families,” Phibbs said.
Clover High is the only tri-county school on this year’s list. The program typically honors three to five schools per year. The last tri-county winner came in 2004-05, with Independence Elementary School in the York School District. Other area winners since the award began in 1978 are are Northwestern High School (2000-01) and Mt. Gallant Elementary School (1984-85) in the Rock Hill School District.
Principal Rod Ruth said Clover High is humbled by the finalist designation, and attributed it to student and staff work to create opportunities.
“Blue Eagle Nation recognizes that hard work is within our control and I can’t think of a place that works harder,” Ruth said.
Sheila Quinn, Clover School District superintendent, said it’s been long-known Clover High is among the best high schools statewide.
“It’s exciting that others, including an organization with the credibility of SCASA, are now recognizing their excellence as well,” Quinn said.
This story was originally published January 20, 2023 at 12:59 PM.
