Columbia, SC - South Carolina Whitmore School, a virtual charter public high school, held their commencement exercises at 11:00am on Saturday at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Students and their families from all over the state gathered to celebrate their achievements and receive their diplomas.
Shennice Cleckley, a Midlands entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker, delivered the commencement address. Nine students received the $1,000 Blue Diamond Scholarship, which is a scholarship like none other in South Carolina since the funds are provided directly from the school's operational budget. Students eligible for the Blue Diamond Scholarship must earn a minimum GPA of 4.0 in SCWS courses and be enrolled in SCWS for at least one year, in addition to submitting an essay and receiving recommendation from a teacher. Valedictorian Heather Kidd, of Clemson, SC, and Salutatorian Hope Salyer, of Lexington, SC, were also honored in the ceremony for their achievements.
Principal John Loveday said he was proud of each and every graduate who received their diploma on Saturday.
"Every student who graduated today should be extremely proud of their remarkable achievements," said Loveday. "We are a family here at SCWS; so it is bittersweet to see these students move on but we are grateful to have had them a part of our school. I am so proud of every student and faculty member for yet another successful school year at SCWS."
Founded in 2011, SCWS is a tuition-free virtual public charter school offering a personalized mastery-based academic environment to students who don’t fit the traditional brick and mortar environment. For more information visit: scwhitmoreschool.org.
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