Renaissance

Gaffney High junior Jordan Keller removes a Renaissance Honor Card from his wallet Thursday to take advantage of the free dessert incentive available for making good grades. Ledger Staff Writer

Gaffney High School is sweetening the rewards for student achievement by providing free admission to sporting events as well as cash and shopping discounts.

Students who make all As and Bs can receive these rewards by picking up an Honor Card and participating in the school’s Renaissance Program. Business partners and sponsors provide incentives for students to do well academically.

“I’m all for it. If a student is willing to work hard to get good grades, the least we can do is reward them.” — Phil Strickland (On rewarding good grades with free passes to sporting events) Honor Cards will be distributed to students in mid-February. They can be used to receive discounts at participating businesses, free desserts and free admission to school-sponsored activities and events.

This means Gaffney High students with good grades can get into football and basketball games for free by participating in the Renaissance Program.

Gaffney High Athletic Director Phil Strickland said he’s willing to trade a few student gate fees for the reward of seeing more students do well academically.

“I’m all for it,” Strickland said. “If a student is willing to work hard to get good grades, the least we can do is reward them.”

Gaffney High School started its Renaissance Program in 1992. The national program is designed to help schools experience a “rebirth” in academic achievement.

An advisory board of community business leaders and community residents work with school officials to provide direction and input on the Renaissance Program.

“The goal of the Renaissance Program is to promote student achievement,” Gaffney High Principal Dr. Quincie Moore said. “We have been looking at offering new incentives to encourage studentparticipation. The students were really excited when we added free admission to athletic events.”

Students with a positive attitude, perfect attendance, and a grade of 85 or higher in each subject each quarter are given a half-day for personal use. The school also holds very improved performer drawings in which students can win $5 to $100 for improvement in classes.

Free parking is provided to students who maintain all As for the school year.

The Renaissance Program also awards one student a $2,000 scholarship.

“It is a very rewarding experience and will make them a better student and better citizen at the same time,” Moore said.