Education briefs

Governor’s Schools Host Joint Info Session
South Carolina’s Governor’s Schools for Agriculture, Arts and Humanities, and Science and Mathematics will host a joint information session, Endless Opportunities, on Tuesday, April 29 at 6 p.m. at the Hilton Head Island Branch Library. The event is open to prospective students and families interested in the state’s free public, residential high school programs focused on agribusiness, the arts, or STEM. School representatives will present and hold a Q&A. Details: www.scgsah.org.

New Teachers Receive Support Through Toolkit Grants
The Foundation for Educational Excellence has awarded ten $500 “Helping Build a Teacher’s Toolkit” grants to first- and second-year teachers in the Beaufort County School District. The grants, supported by the Women’s Association of Hilton Head Island and other donors, will help new teachers purchase classroom materials. Recipients include teachers from Lady’s Island Middle, Bluffton Elementary, Whale Branch, Battery Creek, and more. The initiative, launched in 2021, aims to ease the financial burden for early-career educators.

TCL Staff Honored as Educators of the Year

Three employees from the Technical College of the Lowcountry were recognized as Educators of the Year by the South Carolina Technical Education Association. Sara Cain (Support Staff), Sasha Bishop (Administrator), and Kelli Boniecki (Faculty) were honored at the SCTEA annual conference for their outstanding service.

Notre Dame Club Donates to JPII Scholarship Fund
John Paul II Catholic School has received a $7,500 gift from the Notre Dame Club of Hilton Head, bringing the group’s total contributions to $40,300 since 2013. The funds support student scholarships and access to Catholic education. “Their support helps us ensure that deserving students have access to the academic excellence and spiritual foundation that JPII provides,” said school president David Lima.

Hilton Head Senior Joins National Honor Choir
Jack Gatlin, a senior at Hilton Head Island High School, was selected to perform with the American Choral Directors Association’s National Honor Choir in Dallas, Texas. Gatlin was one of just 40 basses chosen nationwide. He is the first student from HHIHS to receive this honor and performed at the renowned Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.

Beaufort County Students Shine in Regional Art Exhibition
The Coastal Discovery Museum is hosting the 4th Annual Beaufort County High School Regional Art Exhibition through May 7. The juried exhibit features over 100 works from students at public and private schools, including Hilton Head High, Bluffton High, and May River High. The exhibit includes painting, sculpture, photography, and digital art.

Bluffton High Honors and Achievements
Bluffton High School celebrated 559 students on the 3rd Quarter Honor Roll with a snow cone celebration. Seniors took part in Reality Day, a financial literacy event simulating life after graduation. The BLHS Symphonic Band earned a Superior rating at their concert performance assessment—their highest score since 2019. Additionally, wrestler Jada Lawrence took 3rd place at the High School National Wrestling Championships in Virginia Beach.

May River High Students Excel On and Off Campus

Welding students from May River High collaborated with local firefighters to design and install a custom rescue equipment rack. The school’s engineering program continues to grow with opportunities in computer manufacturing and design. The Symphonic Band earned a Superior with Distinction at their concert performance, while the school also hosted a Shark Summit introducing freshmen to career pathways.

JPII 6th Graders Explore Local Ecosystems
John Paul II Catholic School’s sixth graders explored maritime forests and coastal ecosystems during a field trip led by Coastal Expeditions. Students learned about water systems, wildlife, and environmental conservation during hands-on lessons in the Lowcountry. The experience highlighted real-world science concepts and sparked curiosity about marine biology and environmental careers.

Bluffton Middle Band Earns High Marks
Bluffton Middle School’s 7th/8th Grade Concert Band received an Excellent overall rating and a Superior in sight reading at the State Concert Performance Assessment held at West Ashley High School.

Cross Schools Celebrates Student Achievement and Community
Giving Cross Schools recently hosted its Color Run fundraiser, raising over $47,500. The school’s junior varsity cheerleading team was honored at the State House for their third consecutive SCISA state title. Second graders hosted a Market Day event, raising funds for Pockets Full of Sunshine, a local nonprofit supporting individuals with disabilities.

LEAP Offers New Path for Future Teachers
The Beaufort County School District is inviting career changers to consider teaching through the LEAP (Lowcountry Educator Alternative Program). Participants can begin teaching full-time while working toward certification. Learn more at: www.beaufortschools.net/careers/leap