News Summary
Ware Shoals District 51 recently honored its outstanding students and dedicated staff during a lively ceremony. Highlights included Johana Bustos receiving notable scholarships, recognition for food service managers, and updates on financial and educational initiatives. The district also celebrated the excellence of teacher Blake Bishop and the excitement of the local football rivalry. With new learning opportunities set for the future, the spirit of community and academic achievement continues to shine bright in the district.
Exciting Achievements and Celebrations in Ware Shoals District 51
Ware Shoals is buzzing with excitement as District 51 recently held a ceremony to celebrate its outstanding students and dedicated staff who have made significant contributions to the community. There were plenty of smiles, cheers, and heartwarming announcements as the district recognized many accomplishments that truly stand out.
Spotlight on Johana Bustos
A highlight of the event was the acknowledgment of Johana Bustos, who lit up the room with her impressive achievements. Johana was recognized as a recipient of the SCATA Region Three scholarship. But that’s not all! She also bagged the Student Council Coalition Leadership Award during the much-anticipated Heart of a Hornet event. With such accolades, the future looks bright for this remarkable student.
During the recognition ceremony, attendees included district leaders like Dan Crockett, the superintendent, and Shanon Calvert, a board member, who were thrilled to honor Johana’s accomplishments.
Celebrating Food Service Managers
In a touching moment, food service managers were celebrated for their unwavering commitment and care for the students. Those honored included the dedicated team of Sharon Mann (district food service manager), Elaine Edens (Ware Shoals Primary), Tracy Cooper (Ware Shoals High School), and Tracey Hinton (Ware Shoals Middle School). This team plays a crucial role in ensuring that students have nourishing meals, and their hard work is certainly worthy of applause!
Financial Shifts for a Brighter Future
In addition to individual achievements, the Greenwood School District 51 trustees approved a fund transfer aimed at starting the fiscal year off with a positive account balance. Superintendent Dan Crockett provided an update on the district’s financial situation, mentioning that the athletic activity account started the year with a $9,587.04 deficit. Thankfully, the trustees’ approval will allow the transfer of funds from the general fund balance to help resolve this issue.
The district’s financial management has been commendable, showing responsible oversight that ensures funds can be transferred as needed. To further enhance tracking, trustees decided on an important change to the monthly athletic account report, which is expected to improve revenue and expense monitoring.
New Learning Opportunities
This month also saw the board approve new math textbooks that align with state standards, as well as three exciting middle school courses: Journalism and Yearbook, Robotics, and a STEAM course. Such initiatives are bound to inspire creativity and critical thinking in young minds!
Outstanding Teacher Recognition
In a remarkable twist, Blake Bishop, a social studies teacher at Ware Shoals High School, was named the District Three director for the Palmetto State Teachers Association (PSTA). Bishop has been recognized for his exceptional efforts in the classroom, having earned the title of District 51’s Teacher of the Year in 2023 and being a finalist for the state Teacher of the Year award in 2024. His passion for helping students develop critical thinking skills is palpable, and his new role is sure to benefit teachers throughout the district.
Football Rivalry Heats Up
Meanwhile, the excitement isn’t limited to academic achievements. The recent football game between Ware Shoals and Dixie added another chapter to the longstanding rivalry. Dixie bested Ware Shoals with a score of 28-14, showcasing both teams’ competitive spirit. Coach Mark Sorrow from Dixie noted the team’s improved performance since their previous defeat, while Ware Shoals’ Coach Chris Dodson acknowledged the need for improvements in their gameplay.
The game was filled with emotional intensity, bringing out the best from both squads and capturing the strong community rivalry spirit that is cherished in Ware Shoals.
As the year progresses, it’s clear that both student achievements and community spirit are shining brightly! Whether it’s in academics, athletics, or service, Ware Shoals District 51 is all about nurturing talent and fostering a strong sense of community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lander University Baseball Triumphs Over Columbus State
Lander University Students Excel in Sporting Events
Piedmont Technical College Honors Fall 2024 Academic Achievers
Lander University Baseball Secures Victory Over Wingate
Nathan Wooley: A Dual Enrollment Star in Due West
Lander University Kicks Off Spring Semester with Events
Filing Opens for School Board Seats in Ware Shoals and Greenwood
Lander University Baseball Achieves Victory Over Belmont Abbey
Celebrating Achievements in Ware Shoals Education
Ware Shoals Announces Police Department Move and New Animal Shelter
Additional Resources
- Index Journal: Ware Shoals High Teacher Named to PSTA Board of Directors
- WSPA: Ware Shoals HS Lockdown Lifted; Coroner’s Office Investigating Incident Involving Student
- Index Journal: Dixie Outlasts Ware Shoals in Bounce-Back Victory
- Index Journal: Abbeville Powers Past Ware Shoals; Captures 9th Straight Region Title
- WSPA: Zip Trip – History of Ware Shoals
- Wikipedia: Ware Shoals, South Carolina
- Google Search: Ware Shoals High School
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ware Shoals
- Google News: Ware Shoals
Author: HERE Greenwood
The HERE Greenwood Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenwood 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 Greenwood Our team includes lifelong Greenwood residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent listing of the historic Grier Building, Greenwood’s railroad and textile heritage, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Piedmont 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 Greenwood 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.
