MUSC Black River opens

Student creates mentor program at TCS

Junior Isabella Stamato has helped create a Senior Buddy Program at Trinity Collegiate School. . . . .. . . . . . . Page 3

Lecture details history of historic cabins

Francis Marion hosted a lecture titled “A Plantation Economy and African Americans at Mars Bluff: A Brief Historical Perspective,’ on Thursday. . . . . Page 5

FDTC receives $16,500 donation

Florence-Darlington Technical College recently received a $16,500 donation from S.C. Endeavors . . Page 6

Deaths Page 2

My Answer Page 3

Opinion Page 4

Pets of the Week . . . . Page 9

Classifieds . . . . . . . . . Page 9

NAME: Kaley Elmore

HOME: Florence.

OCCUPATION:

Senior Tax Associate at Webster Rogers.

COLLEGE:

Attended Wofford College.

HOBBIES:

When she’s not working she loves going to the beach, Carolina football and her dog Millie

Southern Florence and Williamsburg County residents took a giant leap forward in obtaining unrivaled health care services with the opening of MUSC Health Black River Medical Center earlier this month.

“We are officially open to help people, and I couldn’t be more excited to offer these important services to this area,” said MUSC Health Florence

Division Chief Executive Officer Jay Hinesley. “MUSC Health set out to fill a gap that desperately needed to be filled. Community members can be reassured that this hospital is here whenever you need us with the most state-of-the-art technology and services available.”

See MUSC, Page 8

The Florence One School District has had three schools receive the Palmetto’s Finest Award.

1987-88:

Delmae Heights Elementary 1989-90:

Royall Elementary 1994-95:

Timrod Elementary

Two schools in Florence 1 have been named among the best schools in the state by the South Carolina Association of School Administrators. Carver Elementary School and John W. Moore Middle School were among the ten finalists announced Wednesday afternoon for the Palmetto’s Finest Award.

According to SCASA, these ten schools represent the best in innovative, effective educational programs

“We are very excited to be considered a Palmetto Finest Finalist school,” said Carver Principal Josie Little. “Our teachers are dedicated to making sure our students receive challenging but engaging instruction. We also have a great deal of support from our parents. We all truly believe in our motto that states, “Carver is a great place to learn.”

The Palmetto’s Finest application process includes a 20-page application as well as an onsite visit from the review committee.

“We at John W. Moore Middle School are hon- ored to be selected as a finalist for the Palmetto’s Finest Award,” said Principal April Leroy. “This recognition validates what we do every day for our students. The faculty, students and community are proud of our school and believe we have what it takes to be a Palmetto’s Finest school. At Moore, we are Lion Proud! Lion Strong!”

It has been nearly thirty years since a school in Florence 1 received the Palmetto’s Finest Award. Timrod Elementary School was the most recent winner. Finalists will have a second visit before winners are announced by SCASA via livestream on March 15th.

The Palmetto’s Finest Award is celebrating its 43rd year.

“We are excited to recognize some of the outstanding and innovative schools in South Carolina. They represent the many excellent school communities serving our state’s families,” said Beth Phibbs, SCASA Executive Director.

RAVE ALL STARS – THE 2012 Raves All Star Cheer Team won first place and took the title of Grand Champions for the Youth Level 2 Division at the Cheersport Competition. Back row, from left, are Kara Gerald, Annsley Gray, Jenna Daniel, Catie Riley, Logan Hickox; middle row, from left, are Lauren Olsen, Madison Lynch, Sydney Corley, Ashten McDowell; sitting are Olivia Hauer, left, and Jacquelyn Brigman. The team was coached by Alex Roberts and Lanell Timmons. Do you have an old photo you would like to submit for The News Journal’s Do You Remember? You may do so by emailing a digital copy of the photo, including information about the photo, to editor@florencenewsjournal.com. You may also submit photos and information in person at our office, located at 312 Railroad Ave.