R.O.S.E. recognition

The Edgefield County School Board held a R.O.S.E. Ceremony at the Dec. 14 meeting. The R.O.S.E. Award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond in support of educational activities and students.

Recognized in the ceremony were Elvis Bussey, STHS Marching Band supporter; Sen. Shane Massey, Richard Pendarvis, John Pettigrew, Greg Anderson, Dr. Sharon Keesley, Bettis Rainsford Jr., Chere Edwards and Ken Hartkopf - all Thurmond Statesmen Institute supporters.

Superintendent Dr. Mary R. Crenshaw said, "When our district was researching and studying the concepts of Magnet Schools and Academy programs, Principal Matt Schilit and I talked of the rich heritage of leadership and history that the county is known for, and that sparked the establishment of a perfect Magnet concept or match for the high school."

Through the efforts of Denise Jackson, TSI Instructor at the high school, the Thurmond Statesmen Institute was formed. The Thurmond Statesmen Institute is a rigorous four year high school magnet program which emphasizes civic leadership training and law education. It exists to provide its students with an intensive training in public speaking, an in depth understanding of the development and applications of the rule of law in modern Western society, and extensive preparation for a variety of public service and law-related career opportunities through community service. Graduates of the academy receive a TSI diploma and will be prepared to further their formal education in the technical college or university setting, or to pursue immediate entry into a chosen career.

The support received from these R.O.S.E. Thurmond Statesmen Institute individuals has been most appreciated from the school.