Oakridge Elementary is among five elementary schools across South Carolina selected as finalists for the 2026 Palmetto’s Finest Awards.
This selection comes after extensive evaluations by a committee of fellow educators and previous Palmetto’s Finest winners. The application process includes elements on student
achievement, instructional programs, professional learning communities, and school culture.
Last fall, 30 South Carolina schools submitted a 22-page application followed by an onsite examination visit from a review committee. The finalists are currently undergoing a second onsite evaluation.
Each school will have the opportunity to celebrate with their local community, as the winners will be announced through a live stream, via South Carolina ETV, to each finalist school on April 23, 2026.
The South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA) presents the awards each year to schools which offer the best in innovative, effective educational programs. The Palmetto’s Finest Award is celebrating its 46th year and is one of the most coveted and respected awards among educators.
“We are proud to spotlight schools that are pushing boundaries and thinking differently in South
Carolina. These innovative institutions demonstrate the caliber of education available to families
statewide,” said Dr. Quincie Moore, SCASA Executive Director.
This selection comes after extensive evaluations by a committee of fellow educators and previous Palmetto’s Finest winners. The application process includes elements on student
achievement, instructional programs, professional learning communities, and school culture.
Last fall, 30 South Carolina schools submitted a 22-page application followed by an onsite examination visit from a review committee. The finalists are currently undergoing a second onsite evaluation.
Each school will have the opportunity to celebrate with their local community, as the winners will be announced through a live stream, via South Carolina ETV, to each finalist school on April 23, 2026.
The South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA) presents the awards each year to schools which offer the best in innovative, effective educational programs. The Palmetto’s Finest Award is celebrating its 46th year and is one of the most coveted and respected awards among educators.
“We are proud to spotlight schools that are pushing boundaries and thinking differently in South
Carolina. These innovative institutions demonstrate the caliber of education available to families
statewide,” said Dr. Quincie Moore, SCASA Executive Director.
Clover School District will open registration for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten age students on Monday, March 2, 2026. To be eligible to register, children must be age four for pre-kindergarten, or age five for kindergarten on or before September 1st. Each child should be registered by their parent/legal guardian for the elementary school zone in which they will reside for 2026-2027.
Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten registration is completed online through the Clover School District website. Rising kindergarten students who attended a Clover School District pre-kindergarten program can update their existing student registration application and upload required documents on or after March 2, 2026. All new pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students entering the district for the first time will log into the Clover School District website, select Enroll, and then select “New Account” to begin the application process.
Registration does require you submit all documentation listed below in the online form. If you are unable to submit digitally, you may reach out to your zoned elementary school for alternative options. For pre-kindergarten families only, a screening assessment appointment will be scheduled once all documents have been uploaded.
Documentation required for each student includes:
1. Two (2) proofs of residence that include the name and address of the parent/legal guardian (for more information visit the proof of residence website at https://tinyurl.com/3w7jwvvw
2. Current and updated immunization record on the South Carolina Immunization Form (DHEC 4024). This must reflect your child’s current age. This form can be obtained by:
a. Asking your child’s Health Care Provider for the immunizations to be printed on a South Carolina Immunization Form.
b. Taking your child’s current immunization record to a South Carolina Health Department for transfer to a South Carolina Immunization Form (DHEC 4024).
3. Proof of birth (e.g. a legal birth certificate with the state seal)
For more information about our pre-kindergarten program, visit the Early Childhood Education Section on the website to access the answers to Frequently Asked Questions.: https://tinyurl.com/4da4fu6p
Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten registration is completed online through the Clover School District website. Rising kindergarten students who attended a Clover School District pre-kindergarten program can update their existing student registration application and upload required documents on or after March 2, 2026. All new pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students entering the district for the first time will log into the Clover School District website, select Enroll, and then select “New Account” to begin the application process.
Registration does require you submit all documentation listed below in the online form. If you are unable to submit digitally, you may reach out to your zoned elementary school for alternative options. For pre-kindergarten families only, a screening assessment appointment will be scheduled once all documents have been uploaded.
Documentation required for each student includes:
1. Two (2) proofs of residence that include the name and address of the parent/legal guardian (for more information visit the proof of residence website at https://tinyurl.com/3w7jwvvw
2. Current and updated immunization record on the South Carolina Immunization Form (DHEC 4024). This must reflect your child’s current age. This form can be obtained by:
a. Asking your child’s Health Care Provider for the immunizations to be printed on a South Carolina Immunization Form.
b. Taking your child’s current immunization record to a South Carolina Health Department for transfer to a South Carolina Immunization Form (DHEC 4024).
3. Proof of birth (e.g. a legal birth certificate with the state seal)
For more information about our pre-kindergarten program, visit the Early Childhood Education Section on the website to access the answers to Frequently Asked Questions.: https://tinyurl.com/4da4fu6p
Like you, Clover School District is monitoring weather conditions as the winter storm approaches our area this weekend.
To keep our students and staff safe, we have already canceled all district events scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.
At this time, we have directed staff to prepare for the possibility of multiple days of E-Learning should conditions require the cancellation of in-person learning early next week. Because we are cognizant that power and internet outages are possible, we are advising staff members to create lessons that include paper-pencil work/packets, hard copies of books/texts, or downloaded videos/materials on the iPad that can be accessed without WiFi. Students should be reminded to take these materials home on Friday afternoon.
We are consulting with York County Emergency Management and neighboring school districts on impacts to York County. We realize that cancellations are a hardship for families, so we are holding off on making a final decision until the weekend when we can see exactly how much ice has accumulated in our area and how air temperatures are impacting its ability to melt.
We encourage our families to prepare for inclement weather and to monitor email, social media and local news outlets for updates on our operations.
To keep our students and staff safe, we have already canceled all district events scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.
At this time, we have directed staff to prepare for the possibility of multiple days of E-Learning should conditions require the cancellation of in-person learning early next week. Because we are cognizant that power and internet outages are possible, we are advising staff members to create lessons that include paper-pencil work/packets, hard copies of books/texts, or downloaded videos/materials on the iPad that can be accessed without WiFi. Students should be reminded to take these materials home on Friday afternoon.
We are consulting with York County Emergency Management and neighboring school districts on impacts to York County. We realize that cancellations are a hardship for families, so we are holding off on making a final decision until the weekend when we can see exactly how much ice has accumulated in our area and how air temperatures are impacting its ability to melt.
We encourage our families to prepare for inclement weather and to monitor email, social media and local news outlets for updates on our operations.
For the sixth year, students in Chef Scott Michaw's Culinary Arts Class at the Center for Career Innovation (CCI) battled it out in Cake Wars.
This year, eight cakes were presented to nearly 20 judges, who evaluated the cakes in categories such as appearance, icing and crumb.
The students pulled out all the stops--chocolate ganache, lemon curd, blueberry jam, mousse and even ice cream.
Top honors went to the team of "Cookies and Dreams" comprised of Bailey Brown, Jordan Gantt, Kate Smith and Carlee Wallace.
There was a tie for second place between "Battle of the Greats," a cake with both white and dark chocolate frosting and a raspberry filling, and "Chicken Dinner," a two-layer Neapolitan cake.
This year, eight cakes were presented to nearly 20 judges, who evaluated the cakes in categories such as appearance, icing and crumb.
The students pulled out all the stops--chocolate ganache, lemon curd, blueberry jam, mousse and even ice cream.
Top honors went to the team of "Cookies and Dreams" comprised of Bailey Brown, Jordan Gantt, Kate Smith and Carlee Wallace.
There was a tie for second place between "Battle of the Greats," a cake with both white and dark chocolate frosting and a raspberry filling, and "Chicken Dinner," a two-layer Neapolitan cake.
Clover High School Senior Ella Nighbor has been named the Gatorade South Carolina Cross Country Runner of the year, and her coach, Ben Clark, has been recognized as the 2025 Girls' High School Cross Country Coach of the Year for South Carolina by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.
Nighbor won the SC AAAAA individual state championship with a time of 17:37:78 and led her team to the state championship as well. Nighbor also posted impressive performances at the Hare & Hounds Invitational, the Brooks XC South RegionalChampionships and the Great America XC Festival.
At Clover High School, Ella is a Student Ambassador, peer tutor and community volunteer. Ella holds a 5.52 GPA and has signed a written letter of athletic aid to run at the University of South Carolina in the fall.
Coach Clark's honor is sponsored by the Marine Corps and recognizes coaches at both the state and national levels. The U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association is a non-profit professional organization of more than 11,000 members across both high school and college ranks. As South Carolina's winner, Coach Clark will advance to the national level of competition.
Congratulations to both Ella and Coach Clark!
Nighbor won the SC AAAAA individual state championship with a time of 17:37:78 and led her team to the state championship as well. Nighbor also posted impressive performances at the Hare & Hounds Invitational, the Brooks XC South RegionalChampionships and the Great America XC Festival.
At Clover High School, Ella is a Student Ambassador, peer tutor and community volunteer. Ella holds a 5.52 GPA and has signed a written letter of athletic aid to run at the University of South Carolina in the fall.
Coach Clark's honor is sponsored by the Marine Corps and recognizes coaches at both the state and national levels. The U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association is a non-profit professional organization of more than 11,000 members across both high school and college ranks. As South Carolina's winner, Coach Clark will advance to the national level of competition.
Congratulations to both Ella and Coach Clark!
The Clover High School (CHS) Student Council will host a Father-Daughter Sweetheart Dance on Saturday, Feb. 28, at Clover High School.
Tickets are $30 per couple at the door and an $10 more for each additional child.
The evening will include dancing, crafts, desserts and photos.
Tickets are $30 per couple at the door and an $10 more for each additional child.
The evening will include dancing, crafts, desserts and photos.
In observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday, all Clover School District schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026.
We encourage our students, staff, and families to honor Dr. King’s legacy through service, reflection, and acts of kindness in our community.
Schools and offices will reopen on Tuesday, January 20.
#MLKDay #CloverSD #ServeLeadInspire
We encourage our students, staff, and families to honor Dr. King’s legacy through service, reflection, and acts of kindness in our community.
Schools and offices will reopen on Tuesday, January 20.
#MLKDay #CloverSD #ServeLeadInspire
For the third time in four years, Manha Shaik, a seventh grader at Oakridge Middle School, has won the Clover School District (CSD) Spelling Bee.
Manha was the champion in 2023 and 2025, prior to winning the 2026 championship today by correctly spelling the word “acetone” in the 19th round of competition. Manha was a top-five finisher in 2024 as well.
English Language Arts Instructional Specialist Jennifer Dundr described the 27 contestants from all CSD elementary and middle schools as “the most courageous group of students in Clover.” The students tackled challenging words, including silhouette, ostracism, precocious, catalyst,perceptible, irrevocable, dexterity and cryptic.
The top five finishers will represent CSD in regional competition later this spring. They are:
Manha Shaik, Oakridge Middle School
Salonee Birabar, Oakridge Middle School
Daysia Dula, Clover Middle School
Kamari Dula, Clover Middle School
Preston Poff, Oakridge Middle School
Congratulations to all the spellers who took part in today’s spelling bee!
Manha was the champion in 2023 and 2025, prior to winning the 2026 championship today by correctly spelling the word “acetone” in the 19th round of competition. Manha was a top-five finisher in 2024 as well.
English Language Arts Instructional Specialist Jennifer Dundr described the 27 contestants from all CSD elementary and middle schools as “the most courageous group of students in Clover.” The students tackled challenging words, including silhouette, ostracism, precocious, catalyst,perceptible, irrevocable, dexterity and cryptic.
The top five finishers will represent CSD in regional competition later this spring. They are:
Manha Shaik, Oakridge Middle School
Salonee Birabar, Oakridge Middle School
Daysia Dula, Clover Middle School
Kamari Dula, Clover Middle School
Preston Poff, Oakridge Middle School
Congratulations to all the spellers who took part in today’s spelling bee!
Congratulations to the Fifth Grade class at Kinard Elementary for graduating from the DARE program today!
Students were joined by representatives from the Clover Police Department and accepted certificates in honor of their accomplishment.
Fifth graders who were on the Principal's A Honor Roll or the A/B Honor Roll and Spelling Bee winners were also recognized during the assembly.
Students were joined by representatives from the Clover Police Department and accepted certificates in honor of their accomplishment.
Fifth graders who were on the Principal's A Honor Roll or the A/B Honor Roll and Spelling Bee winners were also recognized during the assembly.
We conclude our series of National School Board Appreciation Month salutes by recognizing Mr. Mike Ballard. As a member of the Board, Mr. Ballard works very hard on behalf of the students, staff, and families of the Clover School District, and we are grateful for his service.
Thanks to all the new Charger families who came out to last night's "Meet the Team" event!
There was such a large crowd that the energy was palpable!
Families heard from Principal Calub Courtwright and Assistant Principals Elizabeth Gibson and Andria Emerson. Athletic Director Steven Peeler introduced the fall sports coaches.
Following the opening remarks, families had an opportunity to visit with Band Director Anne Lewis Turner and all the fall sports coaches.
Three vendors offered spirit wear for sale so that families could stock up on new merchandise.
Superintendent Dr. Sheila Quinn and members of the School Board were also in attendance.
There was such a large crowd that the energy was palpable!
Families heard from Principal Calub Courtwright and Assistant Principals Elizabeth Gibson and Andria Emerson. Athletic Director Steven Peeler introduced the fall sports coaches.
Following the opening remarks, families had an opportunity to visit with Band Director Anne Lewis Turner and all the fall sports coaches.
Three vendors offered spirit wear for sale so that families could stock up on new merchandise.
Superintendent Dr. Sheila Quinn and members of the School Board were also in attendance.
Griggs Road Elementary fourth grader Finlay Hays teamed up with her brother Tom, a sixth grader at Clover Middle School, to publish a book.
Finlay wrote the novel, The Hidden Kingdom, and asked Tom to illustrate it. She then asked her mom to help her publish it.
The Hays Family received their first box of hardcover books the week of Christmas. Finlay's mom is taking her around to local bookstores and libraries so she can ask to put it on their shelves.
Griggs Road Elementary is proud of Finlay and is supporting her hard work and dedication in becoming an author. We also appreciate Tom's willingness to contribute his awesome artwork.
Finlay wrote the novel, The Hidden Kingdom, and asked Tom to illustrate it. She then asked her mom to help her publish it.
The Hays Family received their first box of hardcover books the week of Christmas. Finlay's mom is taking her around to local bookstores and libraries so she can ask to put it on their shelves.
Griggs Road Elementary is proud of Finlay and is supporting her hard work and dedication in becoming an author. We also appreciate Tom's willingness to contribute his awesome artwork.
Ryan Hall has been named the Associate Director of Bands at Lake Wylie High School.
Ryan Hall is a dynamic professional in the field of education, design, production, music, and clinical instruction. Before Lake Wylie High School, Hall held the position of Associate Director of Bands and Percussion Director at Clover High School . Mr. Hall demonstrates a proven track record of excellence in leadership and achievement.
Under Hall’s direction, the Clover High School Indoor Drumline has secured an impressive array of victories, including five championship titles in the past 8 years. Notable accolades include clinching the CWEA 2018 PSA Championship, the 2022 WGI PSA World Championship, and the CWEA 2023 PSO Championship, culminating in the prestigious 2023 WGI PSO World Championship. Clover made scholastic history three years in a row with medals at the WGI World Championships, bringing home the Percussion Scholastic Concert World Silver medal in 2024. The Clover High School indoor drumline received the gold medal in Percussion Scholastic World at the CWEA Championships in 2025. His students have gone on to perform with prestigious ensembles at Carnegie Hall, earn 1st place at the South Carolina Masters Recital, participate in Drum Corps International and Winter Guard International, and perform with Universities such as South Carolina, Clemson, and Western Carolina University drumlines.
In addition to his role at Clover High School, Hall served as the program coordinator for Dobyns-Bennett Indoor Percussion in Kingsport, Tennessee, and has orchestrated the percussion music for Boise State University since 2016. Hall currently serves as the program coordinator for the Independent World ensemble, Civitas Independent.
Hall’s academic background includes a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Western Carolina University, where he distinguished himself as a multi-talented contributor to various ensembles and bands. Mr. Hall received his Master's in Music Education while serving as a Graduate Assistant for the Blue Thunder Marching Band at Boise State University in Boise, Idaho.
Drawing from a rich performance history, Ryan's marching career commenced with notable stints at Carolina Gold, Wake Forest Independent, Phantom Regiment, and Carolina Crown, where he played a pivotal role in securing the 2013 Drum Corps International World Championship title.
Ryan's commitment to mentorship extends beyond traditional education settings, as evidenced by his tenure on the percussion staff of various high schools in North and South Carolina, as well as his role as Front Ensemble Technician for the Columbians Drum and Bugle Corps. Notably, Ryan is endorsed by leading industry brands including Vic Firth, Pearl/Adams, and Remo Drumheads.
Throughout his career, Ryan has honed his craft under esteemed mentors such as Thom Hannum, Shane Gwaltney, Dr. John Baldwin and Dr. Mario Gaetano, among others. His dedication to continuous learning and professional development underscores his commitment to excellence in every facet of his work.
Welcome to the Charger Family!
Ryan Hall is a dynamic professional in the field of education, design, production, music, and clinical instruction. Before Lake Wylie High School, Hall held the position of Associate Director of Bands and Percussion Director at Clover High School . Mr. Hall demonstrates a proven track record of excellence in leadership and achievement.
Under Hall’s direction, the Clover High School Indoor Drumline has secured an impressive array of victories, including five championship titles in the past 8 years. Notable accolades include clinching the CWEA 2018 PSA Championship, the 2022 WGI PSA World Championship, and the CWEA 2023 PSO Championship, culminating in the prestigious 2023 WGI PSO World Championship. Clover made scholastic history three years in a row with medals at the WGI World Championships, bringing home the Percussion Scholastic Concert World Silver medal in 2024. The Clover High School indoor drumline received the gold medal in Percussion Scholastic World at the CWEA Championships in 2025. His students have gone on to perform with prestigious ensembles at Carnegie Hall, earn 1st place at the South Carolina Masters Recital, participate in Drum Corps International and Winter Guard International, and perform with Universities such as South Carolina, Clemson, and Western Carolina University drumlines.
In addition to his role at Clover High School, Hall served as the program coordinator for Dobyns-Bennett Indoor Percussion in Kingsport, Tennessee, and has orchestrated the percussion music for Boise State University since 2016. Hall currently serves as the program coordinator for the Independent World ensemble, Civitas Independent.
Hall’s academic background includes a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Western Carolina University, where he distinguished himself as a multi-talented contributor to various ensembles and bands. Mr. Hall received his Master's in Music Education while serving as a Graduate Assistant for the Blue Thunder Marching Band at Boise State University in Boise, Idaho.
Drawing from a rich performance history, Ryan's marching career commenced with notable stints at Carolina Gold, Wake Forest Independent, Phantom Regiment, and Carolina Crown, where he played a pivotal role in securing the 2013 Drum Corps International World Championship title.
Ryan's commitment to mentorship extends beyond traditional education settings, as evidenced by his tenure on the percussion staff of various high schools in North and South Carolina, as well as his role as Front Ensemble Technician for the Columbians Drum and Bugle Corps. Notably, Ryan is endorsed by leading industry brands including Vic Firth, Pearl/Adams, and Remo Drumheads.
Throughout his career, Ryan has honed his craft under esteemed mentors such as Thom Hannum, Shane Gwaltney, Dr. John Baldwin and Dr. Mario Gaetano, among others. His dedication to continuous learning and professional development underscores his commitment to excellence in every facet of his work.
Welcome to the Charger Family!
Tonight's the night!
If you are the family of a current 8th or 9th grade student, you do not want to miss your chance to learn about the AWESOME academic opportunities awaiting you at Clover High School, Lake Wylie High School, the Center for Career Innovation and the Academies of Clover School District!
As January is National School Board Appreciation Month, we continue our series of recognizing the dedicated leaders who volunteer their time as members of the Clover School Board. Today, we recognize Keron Meeks, who serves as Board Secretary. We salute Mr. Meeks' hard work and selfless service on behalf of the students, staff, and families of the Clover School District.
The pick is in!
Announcing the fall sports coaching lineup for the Lake Wylie High School Chargers:
Hannah Adams, Dance
Marissa Collins, Cheer Kristen Mabry, Girls Golf
Olivia May, Swim
Will Plyler, Men's Volleyball
Christopher Young, Cross Country
These appointments were approved at last night's Board of Trustees meeting. This lineup joins Nick Pelham who was appointed Lake Wylie's Football Coach prior to winter break.
There are still a couple of vacancies to fill. Look for more announcements to come!
Families assigned to attend Lake Wylie High School next year are invited to tonight's "Meet the Team" event at the Clover School District Auditorium at 6:30 p.m.
Dr. Ingrid Coke, a Math Facilitator at Academies of Clover School District, has received aFulbright Teacher Exchange award for the 2025-2026 cycle from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.
Ingrid is one of the approximately 400 master teachers and administrators who participate in the Fulbright Teacher Exchanges each year. In addition, approximately 800 individuals teach or conduct research abroad through the Fulbright Program annually. Over 2,000 college graduates, graduate students, and early career professionals participate in study/research exchanges or as English teaching assistants in local schools abroad through the Fulbright Program each year.
Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided over 400,000 talented and accomplished students, scholars, global challenges. Notable Fulbrighters include 62 Nobel Laureates, 93 Pulitzer Prize winners, 82 MacArthur Fellows, 44 heads of state or government, and thousands of leaders across the private, public, and non-profit sectors. and indirect support to the Program, which has operated in over 160 countries worldwide. In the United https://fulbrightprogram.org.
Ingrid is one of the approximately 400 master teachers and administrators who participate in the Fulbright Teacher Exchanges each year. In addition, approximately 800 individuals teach or conduct research abroad through the Fulbright Program annually. Over 2,000 college graduates, graduate students, and early career professionals participate in study/research exchanges or as English teaching assistants in local schools abroad through the Fulbright Program each year.
Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided over 400,000 talented and accomplished students, scholars, global challenges. Notable Fulbrighters include 62 Nobel Laureates, 93 Pulitzer Prize winners, 82 MacArthur Fellows, 44 heads of state or government, and thousands of leaders across the private, public, and non-profit sectors. and indirect support to the Program, which has operated in over 160 countries worldwide. In the United https://fulbrightprogram.org.
As January is National School Board Appreciation Month, we continue our series of recognizing the dedicated leaders who volunteer their time as members of the Clover School Board. Today, we recognize Kenda Cook and salute her commitment and service on behalf of the students, staff, and families of the Clover School District.
January is National School Board Appreciation Month, and the Clover School District proudly salutes the dedicated individuals who volunteer their time to provide thoughtful leadership for our schools. Today, we recognize Tracy Stiff and express our sincere gratitude for her commitment and service on behalf of the students, staff, and families of the Clover School District.
Families with children who will turn four years-old by September 1 may consider enrolling their children in Clover School District's Preschool Program. Check out the flyer below for full details about registration, which will open March 2. Learn more about the CSD Preschool Program at https://www.clover.k12.sc.us/page/early-childhood-education.
