Edgefield County School District

Edgefield County School District provides excellence in education through a family-first approach and unwavering dedication to student success.

[Zykerious rouse @zykeriousrouse]

Blessed 🙏🏾 to be attending these camps this summer

📍 - June 10th western Carolina university
📍 - June 11th Jax state university
📍- june 12th South Carolina state university
📍 - June 20th Lenor-rhyne university

@ChampGMG @ProspectsGloba1 @ECSD_SC @awwebb12

[Edgefield County School District @ECSD_SC]

NEW PHOTO GALLERY!

Check out pictures from 2026 @thurmondctc Honors and Awards Night on our school district's page on Facebook.

#GrowingGreatness
#GoRebels

[Edgefield County School District @ECSD_SC]

STCTC 12X12 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION STORAGE SHED NOW FOR SALE FOR ONLY $4,500! CONTACT TEACHER T.J. QUARLES FOR MORE INFORMATION!

Johnston, SC - In the market for a high-quality storage shed to keep your items out of spring and summer storms and colder temperatures later in the year? Students in the Strom Thurmond Career and Technology Center's Building Construction Program, under the expert guidance of teacher, T.J. Quarles, have exactly what you need: a solid 12x12 storage shed with a 48-inch door that is prepped and ready to go.

Please contact Mr. Quarles by email at [email protected] for storage shed inquiries.

A PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR WORK

The Building Construction Program at @ThurmondCTC is designed to give students the knowledge and hands-on skills necessary to enter the booming construction sector in South Carolina. The program covers the full scope of residential and commercial building, preparing you for a diverse and high-demand career.

The Building Construction program is a three-year sequence of courses that provides comprehensive training through hands-on projects, both on campus and within the community.

PROGRAM BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS

Gaining industry-recognized credentials is key to immediate employment. The STCTC program prioritizes safety and professional standards.

- OSHA-10 Certification: 100% of students who complete the program earn their OSHA-10 card, a crucial safety certification recognized nationwide by contractors and employers.

- Skill Development: Students develop expertise in technical applications like blueprint reading, site preparation, rough framing, and finishing work.

Contact the Strom Thurmond Career and Technology Center today at [phone] for more enrollment information.

[Edgefield County School District Child Nutrition @ecsdnutrition]

💙 🎓 Sweet smiles and heartfelt goodbyes at Johnston Elementary School on the last day for Child Development. 🐻 ✨ Wishing everyone a fun, safe, and happy summer ahead. ☀️ 🎉 📚

📸 Sandy Mims

@ECSD_SC #EdgefieldSC #EdgefieldSouthCarolina #Edgefield #SCSchools

[Edgefield County School District @ECSD_SC]

STROM THURMOND HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2026 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: SARA ELIZABETH WILLIS

Johnston, SC – Strom Thurmond High School’s (STHS) graduating Class of 2026 is scheduled to walk across the STHS Stadium graduation platform (weather permitting) on Friday, May 29, 2026, at a.m. to receive their high school diplomas, turn their tassels, and complete their four-year journey from student to proud alumni.

The commencement ceremony will be streamed live and accessible by clicking the following link:

https://t.co/8LpApSaAVe

Today, we continue our graduation week tradition of highlighting an upcoming STHS graduate each day. Today’s “Senior Spotlight” features STHS Student Body President, Sara Elizabeth Willis.

PARENTS: Jason and Mary Willis.

SARA’S ACCOLADES AND ACHIEVEMENTS: Student Body President, Honor Graduate, Palmetto Fellow, Teaching Fellow, Lander University Junior Scholar, Watson Brown Scholar, LJ Carson Scholarship Recipient, Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award, FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) Leader, Braiding License, Cosmetology License, Cosmetology Outstanding Student of the Year, Swim State Qualifier, Swimmer of the Year, National Technical Honor Society, Beta Club, Junior Marshall.

SARA’S COLLEGE/CAREER PLANS: I plan to attend Lander University to earn my degree in Early Childhood Education.

SARA’S MEMORABLE MOMENT(S) AT STHS: One of my favorite memories at Strom Thurmond has been being part of the student section at football games. Dressing up for the themes, cheering on my classmates, and being surrounded by my best friends make these moments valuable to me.

SARA’S ADVICE TO RISING SENIORS: My advice to upcoming seniors is to always say yes to new opportunities and fun experiences. Senior year truly does fly by, and I am grateful for all the fun memories I made by stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing new opportunities.

WHO HAS INSPIRED HER? My mom is my biggest inspiration. Her strength, constant support, and wisdom have guided me through these past four years. No matter the situation, she always knows the right thing to do and has never failed to be there for me. She has helped me stay on top of everything, especially when applying for scholarships, and I would not have the opportunities I have today without her.

[Edgefield County School District @ECSD_SC]

STROM THURMOND HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2026 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: IMANI GILCHRIST

Johnston, SC – Strom Thurmond High School’s (STHS) graduating Class of 2026 is scheduled to walk across the platform (weather permitting) on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. to receive their high school diplomas, turn their tassels, and complete their four-year journey from student to proud alumni.

The graduation ceremony will be streamed live and accessible by clicking the following link:

https://t.co/u2T7oF0Tr6...

Today, we continue our graduation week tradition of highlighting an upcoming STHS graduate each day. Today’s “Senior Spotlight” features STHS Senior Class President and 2026 Homecoming Queen, Imani Richelle Gilchrist.

PARENTS: Sharon Bush-Gilchrist and Julius Gilchrist.

IMANI’S ACCOLADES AND ACHIEVEMENTS: Senior Class President, Homecoming Queen, Braiding License, Cosmetology License, Marketing Outstanding Student of the Year, Overall Outstanding Student of STCTC, STCTC Outstanding Student Scholarship, Principals All A Honor Roll, Cum Laude Honor Graduate , University of South Carolina Upstate Junior Scholar, Converse University Junior Scholar, Junior Class Vice President, Prom Princess, Beta Club, Cosmetology Club, Volleyball, Cheerleading (Spirit Award for the Edgefield County Touchdown Club), Track and Field.

IMANI’S COLLEGE/CAREER PLANS: Imani will attend Claflin University and Major in Accounting.

IMANI’S SUMMER PLANS: I plan to continue to celebrate with my family and friends until it’s time for me to head off! I will also be competing in a few flag football tournaments, Go Blurr Belles!

IMANI’S MEMORABLE MOMENT(S) AT STHS: Through my four years at Strom Thurmond High School, I have had many memorable moments. The one that stands out the most is the honor of being crowned as homecoming queen. It’s nice to know that you’re loved and have a large support system behind you.

IMANI’S ADVICE TO RISING SENIORS: My advice for rising seniors is to never give up even if tasks get hard. Another piece of advice is to be confident in what you do and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Stepping up, being engaged, and being open to the community gives you a lot of lead way and benefits.

WHO HAS INSPIRED HER? Each member of my family has inspired me in different ways. My dad has taught me how to be independent and generous to others. My mom has taught me how to be true to myself and be okay standing alone. My sister has taught me to keep going and never give up. Lastly, my friends Taniya, Kizziah, Tyra, and Sydney have taught me how it feels to have a genuine 13-plus year long friendship and an amazing support system.

Contact the ECSD Public Information Office (PIO) by email at [email protected].

[Edgefield County School District @ECSD_SC]

DID YOU KNOW? YOU COULD HAVE SUMMER MEALS SHIPPED DIRECTLY TO YOUR HOME! REGISTRATION CONTINUES!

Registration for this program is open all summer! Simply register by Monday to receive a meal box the following week. The final meal boxes will be distributed during the week of July 20, 2026.

Click the link below to see if your address qualifies as a rural home address. The green areas on the map are rural. Please remember that only rural addresses will qualify for this program.

https://t.co/5ta0hBvJKW

Click the link below to register today!

https://t.co/eKKzOhcrsz

[Edgefield County School District @ECSD_SC]

The final week of the 2025-26 school year has arrived with final exams, half days, and Strom Thurmond High School graduation! THANK YOU to each and every member of our amazing ECSD Family for helping make this school year a tremendous one.

Here are your ECSD #GreatEats for the abbreviated school week, provided as always by our dedicated Edgefield County School District Child Nutrition team members.

We will be operating on a half-day schedule on Wednesday (5/27) and Thursday (5/28) of this week.

Have a great (short) week, ECSD!

#GrowingGreatness
#Together

[Edgefield County School District @ECSD_SC]

DID YOU KNOW? Eleven of our Strom Thurmond Career and Technology Center (STCTC) seniors in our Welding Program led by teacher Ben Timmerman have been offered to join the Bridgestone Industrial Maintenance Program offered through the Technical Scholars Program at Aiken Technical College? The program allows high school graduates to begin their career with a sponsor company by using the skills they’ve already acquired in high school while they complete their college training, with all of their training fully funded. It’s a great opportunity for students at STCTC!

#GrowingGreatness
#CareersStartHere
#STCTC

[Edgefield County School District @ECSD_SC]

2025 CLASS 2-A FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPION STROM THURMOND HIGH SCHOOL REBELS UNBOX CHAMPIONSHIP RINGS; EDGEFIELD COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBERS HONOR TEAM WITH RESOLUTION

Johnston, SC – As soon as boxes containing the 2025 Class 2-A state championship rings were opened that Sunday evening (4/26), the dazzlement and wonder began, brought on both by the size, gleam, and brilliance of the rings and the smiles upon the faces of the Strom Thurmond High School (STHS) football players and coaches who had earned them.

They were not alone in their excitement, either, as spouses of the coaching staff, the STHS cheerleading coaches, and Rebels cheerleaders all received necklaces with championship pendants that mirrored the luster of state title rings.

When it comes to this football team, however, there is more than meets the eye – even when looking at the glitter of a state championship ring, the school’s first to be earned since the Rebels’ last gridiron crown in 2005. Yes, the ring is an outward manifestation and a culminating memento to what was achieved, but the outside doesn’t tell the entire story.

Inside each ring, and on the back of championship pendants, is engraved a verse of Scripture – Galatians 6:9 (KJV), which reads, And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

For head football coach, Andrew Webb, the verse served as a mantra for the team and its coaches. It was an encouragement for all of them to stay the course no matter what obstacles were presented to them. They stayed the course and reaped a tangible and substantial reward, it’s true, but they also became better men and young men in the process.

“Most of the time football teams are simply judged by their record, and as a football coach you know this,” said Coach Webb as players, coaches and families mingled together in a collective awe. “But there is so much more that goes into it. There is more to a football team and developing men than just a record. Don’t make any bones about it. We want to win, but one day we’re not ultimately going to be judged on how many games we won and how many championships we won. It’s going to be if we chose to follow Christ and what did we do with the platform we were given as coaches to make a difference in young men’s lives.”

“This ring is a wonderful example of what pride, class, courage, and the will to win, committing to it, believing in it and working hard, has paid off for,” added Coach Webb. “This ring is no different than our hearts. What’s on the inside is what matters the most. Galatians 6:9 … is important to our season and important to our lives as we move forward. It isn’t going to be easy. If you just keep working hard and doing right, at some point you’re going to reap the rewards of your hard work, and tonight, that’s what we’ve done.”

[Edgefield County School District @ECSD_SC]

STROM THURMOND CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY CENTER'S BEAUTIFUL SUN CONURE "CHIP" TURNS ONE YEAR-OLD TODAY SO LET'S WISH HIM A HAPPY BIRTHDAY! ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR 2026-27 SCHOOL YEAR IS OPEN SO JOIN THE VETERINARY SCIENCE ADVENTURE TODAY!

Johnston, SC – One of the very "brightest" faculty members teaching and learning inside the Strom Thurmond Career & Technology Center (STCTC) reaches his very first birthday today (5/20) and we'd love for you to help us celebrate.

"Chip" is a beautiful Sun Conure (Aratinga solstitialis or Sun Parakeet), and also Edgefield County School District (ECSD) Superintendent Dr. Kevin O’Gorman's favorite animal to visit inside the Strom Thurmond Career and Technology Center's agriculture building where STCTC teacher Jessica Sharp-Miner teaches the Exploration of Veterinary Science and Animal Care.

The course, which is available to students at Merriwether Middle School, Johnston Edgefield Trenton Middle School, and the Strom Thurmond Career and Technology Center, is only the first in a series planned for a new career pathway at STCTC into the field of veterinary science.

Students in the course have ready access to a wide variety of animal species – including frogs, snakes, rabbits, birds, a skink, iguanas, tortoises, cats, dogs, lizards, geckos, and more – allowing them to move beyond the curiosity phase and transition to serious study, all in a fun, caring, and light-hearted environment.

“There’s a lot to learn, but we also have lots of fun,” says Sharp-Miner.

In the course, Sharp-Miner discusses the importance of algae and fungi to animals, corrects misperceptions (some snakes are venomous, but NEVER poisonous) and adds interesting facts (African royalty once used snakes as personal adornments, wardrobe selections, and status symbols).

“I'm a big believer in hands-on education, which is why I have so many animals in my classrooms," adds Sharp-Miner. "This program provides our students with an amazing opportunity to learn and interact with things that may never have been available to them before.”

Please drop a comment to wish Chip a happy birthday and then share this story with a family or student who might be interested in more information about this course at Merriwether Middle School, Johnston Edgefield Trenton Middle School and STCTC.

Online student registration for the 2026-27 school year is OPEN so register today and join the veterinary science adventure with teacher Jessica Sharp-Miner next school year.

https://t.co/gakIQcjQMI

[Edgefield County School District @ECSD_SC]

DISTRICT’S POSITIVE PARENTING CLASSES RETURN SOON! SESSIONS TO BE OFFERED IN PERSON AND VIRTUALLY!

Johnston, SC - The Edgefield County School District’s (ECSD) Positive Parenting Program spring-summer session led by ECSD Counseling Director Elesha Ellison gets underway soon so the time to register is right now! Sessions held earlier this school year drew rave reviews from parents who attended.

“This is a great opportunity to gain better skills and become a more effective parent,” stated ECSD parent and winter session attendee April Young.

Our face-to-face kickoff is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, 2026, and our Google Meet kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, May 30, 2026, so be sure to register soon.

DID YOU KNOW? Meals and child care are provided for all in-person positive parenting classes and all in-person attendees who complete all sessions will receive a $150 gift card, while those who attend all online sessions will receive a $100 gift card. Our positive parenting sessions are open to all community parents and ECSD employees.

COULDN'T MAKE OUR WINTER SESSION? This is your opportunity to add to your parenting toolbox with in-person OR online sessions.

[Edgefield County School District @ECSD_SC]

EXPERIENCED EDUCATOR, LEADER JORDAN ATKINSON TO SERVE AS NEW ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL AT W.E. PARKER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOR THE 2026-27 SCHOOL YEAR

Johnston, SC – Whether the topic is education or the athletic fields, Jordan Atkinson is a proven winner.

Atkinson, a passionate, student-focused educator with over a decade of educational experience and instructional leadership, has been approved by trustees of the Edgefield County School District’s (ECSD) Board of Education as the assistant principal at W.E. Parker Elementary School for the upcoming 2026-27 school year.

She currently serves as a Language Arts teacher and 8th-grade team leader, where she has led curriculum development, professional learning, and collaborative school initiatives that support inclusive, high-achieving classrooms.

Ms. Atkinson also served as head softball coach at Blythewood High School, where she accumulated more than 160 wins — a testament to her dedication, coaching acumen, and ability to inspire those she leads.

She earned a Bachelor's degree in Middle Level Education and Master's degree in Divergent Learning from Columbia College and holds an Educational Specialist degree from Arkansas State University.

“I’m thrilled to be stepping into this new role as the assistant principal at W.E. Parker Elementary School,” said Ms. Atkinson. “I’m looking forward to extending my impact beyond the classroom and eager to partner with teachers, students, and families to cultivate a school culture rooted in growth, belonging, and high expectations for all learners.”

You can read the entire story on our school district's website or on our school district's page on Facebook.

[Edgefield County School District @ECSD_SC]

NEW PHOTO GALLERY!

Check out pictures from 2026 @thurmondctc Honors and Awards Night on our school district's page on Facebook.

#GrowingGreatness

[Edgefield County School District @ECSD_SC]

STROM THURMOND HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR MOLLIE BARTLEY RECEIVES SCHOLARSHIP FROM AIKEN MASTER GARDENERS

Aiken, SC - Strom Thurmond High School senior Mollie Bartley was honored recently with a scholarship by the Aiken Master Gardener Association.

Read the entire story with your subscription to the Aiken Standard!

THANK YOU to the members of the Aiken Master Gardener Association, and congratulations, Mollie!

https://t.co/D9d16r611T...

[Edgefield County School District Child Nutrition @ecsdnutrition]

@ECSD_SC is delivering Direct‑to‑Home Meal Boxes this summer for children living in rural areas of Johnston, Edgefield, Trenton, and qualifying North Augusta addresses.

🗓️ Register by May 20!

Sign up here: https://t.co/HbTNVar92H

#EdgefieldSC #EdgefieldSouthCarolina #Edgefield

[Edgefield County School District @ECSD_SC]

Could you have SUMMER MEALS shipped directly to your home?

Click the link below into your web browser to see if your address qualifies. PLEASE NOTE: Only rural addresses qualify. The green areas on the map are rural.
https://t.co/5ta0hBvJKW

If you qualify, just click the link below!
https://t.co/rA1ylQS1il

[Edgefield County School District Child Nutrition @ecsdnutrition]

🥐 😋 W.E. Parker Elementary students enjoyed delicious turkey and cheese croissants for lunch yesterday. 🧀 🦃 Crispy tots and sweet green grapes made the perfect sides to complete this tasty cafeteria favorite. 🍇 🥔 💙

@ECSD_SC #EdgefieldSC