Mayo High School for Math, Science and Technology named a 2018 Palmetto’s Finest School
DARLINGTON, S.C. – Mayo High School for Math, Science and Technology is one of the “finest” institutions in the state after earning a 2018 Palmetto’s Finest Schools award today from the S.C. Association of School Administrators (SCASA).
SCASA previously announced Mayo High School as one of 12 finalists. The five schools to win the award are:
• Mayo High School for Math, Science and Technology in Darlington, Darlington County School District
• Batesburg-Leesville Elementary in Batesburg-Leesville, Lexington District Three
• Joseph R. Pye Elementary in Ladson, Dorchester District Two
• Chapin Middle in Chapin, Lexington-Richland District Five
• Chapman High in Inman, Spartanburg District One
Mayo Principal Arlene Wallace praised the efforts of all who work to make her school so successful.
“The administration, staff, students and parents of Mayo High School for Math, Science and Technology are very pleased with our school's distinction of being named a Palmetto’s Finest School, as well as the accomplishments that have been made in the 21 years since our school was established,” Wallace said. “Through the cooperative effort between school and community, Mayo will continue to provide every student the opportunities needed to succeed and make a positive contribution to society.”
About 1,000 excited teachers, school supporters and education leaders gathered in their respective schools Tuesday, according to SCASA, to watch a live broadcast of the award announcements.
The schools previously progressed through an intensive application process requiring self-evaluation, peer review and two on-site examinations. The application and visits verified evidence of exceptional student achievement, instructional programs, professional learning communities, and school culture.
Arlene Wallace is principal of Mayo High School for Math, Science and Technology, which serves 286 students in grades 9-12, and is a nationally ranked, countywide public magnet secondary school. They exemplify excellence and motivate students to reach their highest potential by combining strong academics with a STEAM focus in math, science and technologies with enhanced humanities courses, supplemented with study groups and life skills sessions. Mayo High School’s test scores are above state and national averages, and they boast a 100 percent graduation rate, with 97 percent of alumni matriculating to a post-secondary institution, while accruing more than $8-12 million in scholarships on average.
“The Palmetto’s Finest award winners are models of innovation throughout our state,” said SCASA’s Beth Phibbs. “They set the standard of excellence by creating an outstanding school culture which includes setting high expectations and providing opportunities for personalized learning.”
Presenting the awards to the five winners were Brenda Byrd (Chairman of the Palmetto’s Finest Committee), Dr. David Mathis (President, SC Association of School Administrators), The Honorable Molly Spearman (SC Superintendent of Education) and Judi Gatson (Emcee and Anchor of WIS-TV).
SCASA is the professional organization for school leaders in South Carolina with a membership of more than 4,300. From professional development opportunities and research to publications and legislative advocacy, SCASA’s focus is to support school leaders in providing the best possible education for South Carolina’s young people. As a state affiliate of three