North Pointe Elementary School of Anderson wins Palmetto's Finest Award. 'We are excited'

Travis Jacque Rose, Anderson Independent Mail
Updated ·3 min read

North Pointe Elementary School of Anderson School District Five has been named one of the winners of the Palmetto's Finest Award for Elementary Schools; the other winner was Delmae Heights Elementary School in Florence.

Each finalist school received an announcement of the winners via South Carolina ETV at 1:30 p.m. today, April 23.

Award-winning journalist Judi Gaston hosted the Palmetto's Finest Award Ceremony on SCETV's live stream at their office.

Gatson's engaging and informative commentary showcased the winners' accomplishments and highlighted their positive impact in their respective fields.

Palmetto's Finest Committee Chairman, Kelly Pew, announced the winners and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the winners and all who applied for their dedication and commitment to excellence.

North Pointe Elementary School, located at 3325 N. Hwy. 81, hosted a ceremony to honor the occasion.

"Two years in a row, we have had a school named Palmetto’s Finest, and as a school district, we are excited for our entire community to celebrate these schools and our students," said Anderson School District Five Assistant Superintendent Kyle Newton. "This is a tremendous honor and a highly competitive process, and North Pointe is well deserving of this state-wide recognition."

According to a SCASA press release, the South Carolina Association of School Administrators presents the awards each year to schools that offer the best in innovative, effective educational programs.

This year, the organization is celebrating its 44th year.

Beth Phibbs, representing the South Carolina Association of School Administrators, expressed her excitement at recognizing some of the state's most exceptional and inventive schools. "They represent the many excellent school communities serving our state’s families," Phibbs said.

Dr. Brenda Kelley, Superintendent of Anderson School District Five, cheers with students and faculty during the announcement of North Pointe Elementary School as one of the 2023-24 Palmetto's Finest schools, in the school auditorium in Anderson, S.C. April 23, 2024.
Dr. Brenda Kelley, Superintendent of Anderson School District Five, cheers with students and faculty during the announcement of North Pointe Elementary School as one of the 2023-24 Palmetto's Finest schools, in the school auditorium in Anderson, S.C. April 23, 2024.

According to a press release from the South Carolina Association of School Administrators, "Last fall, 19 South Carolina schools submitted a 20-page application followed by multiple onsite examination visits from a review committee."

April Griffin, director of member services, said that previous Palmetto Finest award winners and fellow educational leaders determine finalists and winners.

The application process includes elements on student achievement, instructional programs, professional learning communities, and school culture, according to a press release from the South Carolina Association of School Administrators.

Kellie Martin, left, dances with second grade student Bella Thrift in the isle, as faculty and students celebrate to the Kool and the Gang dance classic "Celebration", in Anderson, S.C. April 23, 2024. North Pointe Elementary School was named as one of the 2023-24 Palmetto's Finest schools, during the announcement in the school auditorium.
Kellie Martin, left, dances with second grade student Bella Thrift in the isle, as faculty and students celebrate to the Kool and the Gang dance classic "Celebration", in Anderson, S.C. April 23, 2024. North Pointe Elementary School was named as one of the 2023-24 Palmetto's Finest schools, during the announcement in the school auditorium.

"We were nominated for this award last year but unfortunately did not make it to the final round," Fifth-year North Pointe Elementary School Assistant Principal James Rash said. "We made some improvements based on what we learned from our experience."

Being nominated as a finalist this year is a huge honor, Rash said.

Jill Brackett, the principal of North Pointe Elementary School, expressed her gratitude for winning the Palmetto Award the school received.

Leonard Galloway, left, of Anderson School District Five, hugs Principal Jill Brackett as faculty and students celebrate as North Pointe Elementary School is named as one of the 2023-24 Palmetto's Finest schools, in the school auditorium in Anderson, S.C. April 23, 2024.
Leonard Galloway, left, of Anderson School District Five, hugs Principal Jill Brackett as faculty and students celebrate as North Pointe Elementary School is named as one of the 2023-24 Palmetto's Finest schools, in the school auditorium in Anderson, S.C. April 23, 2024.

"Winning Palmetto’s Finest is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our teachers and staff. Our mantra is “Every Child. Every Chance. Every Day,” and our school lives this out without question," she said. "The evidence is not only in our growth and achievement but also in the smiles and laughter heard throughout the hallways. We care deeply for the work we are privileged to do every day."

Going forward, Brackett said, "The sky’s the limit for North Pointe! There’s truly no telling what’s ahead for us, but one thing’s for sure, "we won’t stop doing what we know is right and best for our students and community."

Second grade students pose for a photo with their teacher Kellie Martin after North Pointe Elementary was named as one of the 2023-24 Palmetto's Finest schools, during the announcement in the school auditorium.
Second grade students pose for a photo with their teacher Kellie Martin after North Pointe Elementary was named as one of the 2023-24 Palmetto's Finest schools, during the announcement in the school auditorium.

Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Anderson Independent Mail: North Pointe Elementary in Anderson wins Palmetto's Finest Award