September 25, 2025

Thornwell Celebrates 150 Years with Music and Community Events

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.