News Summary
Laurens County students received accolades for their academic achievements this spring at local universities. Bob Jones University and Spartanburg Methodist College recognized students for maintaining high GPAs. Additionally, graduates from the Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities will celebrate at a graduation ceremony, highlighting their artistic accomplishments. Local initiatives such as a new Career and Technology Education Center aim to enhance educational opportunities. Furthermore, community events like West Virginia Batman’s visit focus on mental health and empowerment for youth.
Laurens County Students Honored for Academic Excellence at Local Universities and Talents Recognized in Graduation Ceremony
Laurens County students achieved notable academic honors at local universities this spring, showcasing their hard work and dedication during a year marked by challenges. Additionally, local graduates from the Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities will celebrate their accomplishments at an upcoming graduation ceremony.
Academic Achievements at Bob Jones University
Over 590 students at Bob Jones University were recognized for their academic excellence by making it to the President’s List for Spring 2025. This accolade requires students to maintain a GPA of 3.75 or higher. Among these high-achieving students are Laurens residents Alice Barron, a freshman majoring in Studio Art, and Natalie Witbeck, a sophomore majoring in Keyboard Performance.
In addition, Jessalyn Padilla, a junior majoring in Multimedia Journalism from Laurens, earned a place on the Dean’s List, which acknowledges students with a GPA between 3.00 and 3.74. Approximately 660 students were recognized on this list.
Academic Achievements at Spartanburg Methodist College
At Spartanburg Methodist College, the Spring 2025 President’s List also celebrated student success, with the requirement of achieving a GPA of 3.8 or higher. Local honorees include Carson Glenn, Thomas Pineros of Laurens, and La’nayah Stewart of Clinton.
The Dean’s List at this institution comprises students achieving a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Local students Desi Cruz Garduno and Kimberly Sosa-Hernandez, both from Laurens, were recognized in this category.
Graduation Ceremony for the Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities
The 25th graduating class of the Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities will be honored on May 23 at Furman University’s McAlister Auditorium. This ceremony will celebrate 102 students from 23 counties across South Carolina, gathering to receive their high school diplomas and Scholars Diplomas. Among the graduates from Laurens County are Carlyn Pysell and Reuben Shiflet.
This talented class has achieved 186 awards in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards competition, which underscores the artistic accomplishments of the students. Notably, 49 of these seniors are members of the National Honor Society, and 35 have received medals in the National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Furthermore, 25 seniors qualified for Palmetto Fellows, and 14 had works accepted into Artfields, Jr. Lastly, 9 seniors excelled regionally in the National Association of Teachers of Singing competition.
New Career and Technology Education Center Developments
In an effort to enhance education in Laurens County, a new Career and Technology Education Center is in development for school districts 55 and 56. Currently, Laurens County is the only county in the Upstate that lacks a dedicated career and technology center.
The new center aims to combine programs from both school districts and introduce new educational opportunities, including culinary arts and cosmetology courses. The estimated cost for the center will be around $50 million, funded by state sources as well as contributions from districts 55 and 56 and the county. Importantly, there are no plans to raise taxes or increase the millage rate to finance the construction.
West Virginia Batman’s Visit to Laurens County
John Buckland, widely known as West Virginia Batman, recently visited Laurens County District 55 students to share meaningful life lessons. His messages emphasized themes of empowerment, resilience, and the importance of anti-bullying efforts. Buckland’s visit also aimed to address critical mental health issues that teenagers face.
In addition to his presentation, there will be a Heroes 4 Higher event on November 9 at Lucas Avenue Baptist Church, which aims to further inspire students to overcome personal challenges and seek the help they may need.
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Additional Resources
- Laurens County Students Recognized
- Wikipedia: Student Achievement
- South Carolina Governor’s School Graduates
- Google Search: Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities
- West Virginia Batman Inspires Students
- Google Scholar: Education and Inspiration
- New Career Center in Laurens County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Career Education
- Laurens Co School Responds to Threat
- Google News: School Safety
Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON
The HERE Clinton Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Clinton community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Clinton: Our team includes lifelong Clinton residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Clinton’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., Clinton Technical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Clinton Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
