Florence 1 school named 1 of 5 to get Palmetto’s Finest award

FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) — A Florence 1 school is among five South Carolina schools named as the 2023 Palmetto’s Finest Schools by the South Carolina Association of School Administrators, according to a news release.

John W. Moore Middle School was named one of the winners after being named a finalist for the award in January.

The school submitted a 22-page application, which touted the school’s student achievement, instructional programs and school culture.

The school serves over 1,000 students in grades six through eight, according to the release. It was the only middle school finalist in the secondary category, beating out several prominent high schools to win the award.

“[John W Moore’s] students are exposed to rigorous courses with hands-on, project-based learning and have exploration opportunities to strengthen skills with real-world problem solving,” the release reads. “All students will have experienced a premier learning atmosphere to become leaders and scholars equipped with 21st century skills.”

John W. Moore became the first Florence 1 school to win the award since Timrod Elementary School won in the 1994-1995 school year.

“I think we’re excited because other people can see and recognize what we’ve been doing at [John W.] Moore and you know, it just lets other people know the good things that are happening at our school,” Lindy Thompson, a 6th-grade teacher said.

The four other winners include Lake Murray Elementary School of Lexington School District 1, Lake Murray Elementary School of Lexington-Richland School District 5, Woodmont High school from Greenville County Schools and Southwood Academy of the Arts of Anderson School District 5.