GHS tries for Palmetto’s Finest

Ledger Staff Writer

Gaffney High School is among 10 high schools vying for the 2005 Carolina First Palmetto’s Finest School Awards.

Gaffney High will receive a visit Friday from a committee of educators from Palmetto’s Finest.

The group will visit classrooms and meet with small groups of students and parents while evaluating the school’s program.

The South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA) and Carolina First Bank give awards annually to the top two elementary schools, a middle school, and one high school statewide.

The Palmetto’s Finest program has been in existence for more than 25 years and is one of the most coveted awards among educators.

Schools are selected for visits based on a 17-page application submitted in the fall containing information on areas like student achievement, staff training, student activities, community service and education programs.

Gaffney High applied for Palmetto’s Finest this past year under principal Dr. Quincie Moore.

The school had previously applied for the award under former principal and current superintendent Dr. Bill James.

“We felt this past year that we had finally gotten to the point where we were ready to apply for Palmetto’s Finest,” Moore said. “This is not an award that you apply for after one good year. It’s an award that’s based on showing consistent excellence in areas like academic achievement.”

After its initial visits, the Palmetto’s Finest committee will select two or three high schools as finalists.