TO RECOGNIZE AND APPLAUD BATESBURG-LEESVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOR EARNING THE PRESTIGIOUS HONOR OF BEING NAMED PALMETTO'S FINEST BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS AND TO COMMEND THE ADMINISTRATORS, FACULTY, STAFF, AND STUDENTS FOR THE EFFORTS THAT LED TO THIS EXEMPLARY DISTINCTION.

Whereas, the members of the General Assembly of South Carolina deem it absolutely fitting and appropriate to pause in their deliberations to offer an ovation to Batesburg-Leesville Elementary School for earning the distinction of being recognized as Palmetto's Finest by the South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA); and

Whereas, each spring since 1978, SCASA has recognized a few schools which offer excellent instruction and outstanding leaders, augmented by strong family and community involvement and a supportive business community. On March 20, 2018, Batesburg-Leesville Elementary School joined the ranks of these respected institutions; and

Whereas, the selection process includes a comprehensive review of a school's program focusing on the key question: "What impact is this school making on the lives of students and the community and is it deserving of the Palmetto's Finest Award?" Beth Phibbs of SCASA describes the winners of this award as "models of innovation throughout our State. They set the standard of excellence by creating an outstanding school culture which includes setting high expectations and providing opportunities for personalized learning"; and

Whereas, Batesburg-Leesville Elementary is the first school in Lexington 3 school district to receive this honor. Serving four hundred ninety-six students in third through fifth grades, the school uses the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate as their blueprint, giving students at the school many opportunities to be innovators; and

Whereas, the school is proud to offer a School of Journalism, honors choir, school safety squad, Girls on the Run, Panther Prowl boys running club, Zumba team, MakerSpaces, coding, and a community garden. Batesburg-Leesville Elementary is implementing personalized learning for all students through rigorous, engaging, and individualized instruction; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly are grateful for the tradition of stellar education created by Batesburg-Leesville Elementary and are eager to hear of future accomplishments of both the school and the students it cultivates. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the General Assembly of South Carolina, by this resolution, recognize and applaud Batesburg-Leesville Elementary School for earning the prestigious honor of being named Palmetto's Finest by the South Carolina Association of School Administrators and commend the administrators, faculty, staff, and students for the efforts that led to this exemplary distinction.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Principal Jaime Hembree.