Clinton SC, September 25, 2025
News Summary
Thornwell, the longest-serving child and family ministry in South Carolina, is commemorating its 150th anniversary. To celebrate, a concert featuring Caleb and Kelsey will be held, along with a month-long fall festival packed with engaging community activities. Thornwell Charter School is also holding a Homecoming celebration, honoring its past and a championship football team. The events are designed to bring the community together in celebration and joy.
Clinton, SC – Thornwell, the longest-serving child and family ministry in South Carolina, is celebrating its 150th anniversary on October 1, 2025. To mark this significant milestone, a concert featuring the musical duo Caleb and Kelsey will take place on Friday, October 3.
Thornwell, a non-profit ministry, operates programs primarily based in Clinton, SC, as well as in Florida and Georgia. Its mission is to provide safe, nurturing environments where children and families can thrive and fulfill their potential.
The festivities will include a fall festival running from September 27 to October 25, featuring a variety of events such as contests for moms and husbands, a vendor village, a corn maze, wagon rides, face painting, animal feeding, and food stalls. Lush Acres Farms, located near downtown Clinton, will showcase local produce and a special dog demonstration on October 11.
In addition to the anniversary celebrations, Thornwell Charter School in Clinton is also celebrating Homecoming, which holds particular significance this year. Thornwell High School, which operated until 2007, reopened as Thornwell Charter School in 2019, accepting students from grades K-12.
During Spirit Week, students of Thornwell Charter School are engaging in themed dress-up days, creating banners, and preparing for the Homecoming game against the American Leadership Academy, Lexington. Activities will include the announcement of the Homecoming Prince and Princess for each grade, culminating in the crowning of an overall Homecoming King and Queen at halftime of the game.
This year also marks the 30th anniversary of Thornwell High School’s notable 3A football championship, won in 1995. To commemorate this honor, the members of the winning football team, which achieved a perfect 12-0 season, will be recognized during the Homecoming game. They, along with their families, have been invited to attend the event.
Pre-game activities for the Homecoming game will begin at 7 p.m. on August 22, 2025, at Thornwell Charter School, with the honoring of the 1995 championship team scheduled for 7:15 p.m. and kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. During the ceremony, the announcer will read a resolution from the South Carolina General Assembly acknowledging the 1995 championship win, reflecting on the challenges faced by that team.
Key Features of Thornwell’s Anniversary Celebration and Homecoming Events
| Event | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 150th Anniversary Concert | October 3 | Concert featuring Caleb and Kelsey |
| Fall Festival | September 27 – October 25 | Various community activities including contests, food stalls, and entertainment |
| Lush Acres Farms Demonstration | October 11 | Showcasing local produce and dog demonstrations |
| Homecoming Game | August 22 | Celebration of school spirit with crowning of Homecoming royalty and honoring past football champions |
FAQ
What is Thornwell celebrating?
Thornwell is celebrating its 150th anniversary on October 1, 2025.
What will happen during the fall festival?
Thornwell will host a fall festival that includes events such as contests for moms and husbands, a vendor village, a corn maze, wagon rides, face painting, animal feeding, and food stalls from September 27 to October 25.
What sports-related event is Thornwell Charter School celebrating?
Thornwell Charter School will celebrate Homecoming, including the announcement of the Homecoming Prince and Princess and honoring the 1995 3A football championship team.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Thornwell Charter School Celebrates Homecoming Week
New Zoning and Planning Director Appointed in Laurens
Additional Resources
- My Clinton News: Clinton Comes Together at Lushacres at Thornwell Spring Festival
- Wikipedia: Clinton, South Carolina
- GoLaurens: Thornwell Charter Homecoming Week
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Clinton, South Carolina
- WSPA: 2 Meals a Day Available for Kids During Summer at Thornwell
- Google Search: Thornwell South Carolina
- GoLaurens: Dean Named Head Football Coach at Thornwell Charter School
- Google News: Thornwell High School Football Championship
Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON
The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
