[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 44 (Tuesday, April 15, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E665]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




[[Page E665]]



                    TRIBUTE TO LEXINGTON HIGH SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. FLOYD SPENCE

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 15, 1997

  Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring to the attention of my 
colleagues an article that appeared in the March 20, 1997 edition of 
The State, concerning Lexington High School, in my hometown of 
Lexington, SC. As a graduate of Lexington High School, I am especially 
proud of it receiving the Carolina First Palmetto's Finest award.

                    [From The State, Mar. 20, 1997]

                   Lexington High Named Best in State


  school becomes first secondary institution to win palmetto's finest

                            (By Neil White)

       A good year for Lexington High School got even better last 
     week when it won the first-ever Carolina First Palmetto's 
     Finest award given to a high school.
       Strong programs in academics, athletics, arts and 
     technology--highlighted by a pair of students who garnered 
     perfect scores of 1,600 on the SAT and a basketball team that 
     competed for its second-consecutive Class AAAA state 
     championship--have kept the school in the forefront. Now this 
     award adds to that.
       ``It's an exciting time for students, teachers and 
     parents,'' Principal Allan Whitacre said. ``Being the first 
     high school, we feel very proud about that, too.''
       The Palmetto's Finest awards, coordinated by the S.C. 
     Association of School Administrators, are in their 19th year, 
     but this year, the program was expanded to include a 
     secondary school. Irmo Elementary School was named in the 
     elementary school category.
       In addition to academic achievement and student leadership, 
     a point system is used to rate school personnel, programs and 
     curriculum, community involvement, physical maintenance of 
     facilities, safety and communications. Nominations are 
     received in the fall. The winners are chosen by a committee 
     based upon the results of a comprehensive application process 
     and two school visits.
       ``Receiving the Carolina First Palmetto's Finest award 
     presents hard work, perseverance, cooperation and a 
     commitment to excellence by our entire school community. Our 
     school board and district office have supported that 
     commitment,'' said Whitacre. ``Everything we do, from the 
     curriculum to the extra-curricular activities, is focused on 
     giving students the best possible preparation we can provide 
     to help them become productive, well-rounded citizens.''
       Since 1985 the school has received Department of Education 
     incentive award money, which rewards the state's highest-
     ranked schools.
       Following graduation, 79 percent of the students plan to 
     attend college. Graduates in the class of 1996 received 
     scholarship offers valued at more than $4 million.
       ``There's a lot of pride for the student body in the whole 
     thing,'' Whitacre said.
       Lexington's High serves approximately 1,850 students in 
     grades 10-12, and steady growth in the district keeps new 
     students coming through the doors.

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