Each spring since 1978, SCASA has recognized a few schools which offer excellent instruction and outstanding leaders, augmented by strong family and community involvement and a supportive business community.
Initially presented only to two elementary schools and one middle school, the award was expanded in 1996-97, with the support of Carolina First Bank, to include a high school.
The selection process includes a comprehensive review of a school's program, focusing on the key question: "What impact is this school making on the lives of students and the community, and is it deserving of the Carolina First Palmetto's Finest Award?"
Timeline, 2010-2011 Palmetto's Finest awards
You may download the application here application form. To be eligible to apply, the principal must be a member of SCASA, and must have been principal in the applicant school for the entire previous school year. The school's state accreditation must be in good standing. Winning principals must be able to serve on the Palmetto's Finest Selection Committee for future awards.
Application Deadline: September 16, 2010: Completed applications, with application fee, must be emailed.
Email applications to palmettosfinest@scasa.org. All emailed applications must be received by midnight on September 16.
Independent readers evaluate applications and recommend semifinalist schools for initial site visits. Members of the SCASA Palmetto's Finest Awards Committee visit the schools.
Finalist schools are selected and notified. Awards committee members return for a second site visit.
March 22, 2011: Koger Center for the Arts: All finalist schools gather for the awards event, which is recorded by SC-ETV and broadcast in the following days via ITV closed circuit television. All finalists receive statewide recognition and a plaque. The four or five winners also receive a "Carolina First Palmetto's Finest School" banner, bumper stickers for all their staff members, and a Carolina First Palmetto's Finest lapel pin for the principal.
Sponsors and supporters
Since 1996-1997, Carolina First has been the primary sponsor of the Carolina First Palmetto's Finest Schools program.
Other supporters who are helping to present the
2009-2010 Celebration include:
Killian Elementary, Eric Brown
Woodland Heights Elementary, Dr. Cynthia Jarrard Pridgen
Riverside MIddle, Ron Harrison
Wade Hampton High, Lance Radford
2009 Carolina First Palmetto's Finest Winners
Bell's Crossing Elementary, Barbara Barlow
West View Elementary, Shawn Wootton Lugoff-Elgin Middle, Dan Matthews
Spring Valley High, Dr. Greg Owings Greenville Tech Charter, Fred Crawford
