Carvers Bay High School in Hemingway is one of only 19 schools nationwide, and the only one in South Carolina to be named an American College Application Campaign (ACAC) School of Excellence for 2021.

The ACAC is a national effort to increase the number of first-generation college students and students from low-income families pursuing a college degree or other higher education credential. The Schools of Excellence Program honors schools with the strongest commitment to student success and the ACAC mission.

The school was recognized for its accomplishment on Sept. 15 at this year’s Class of 2023 College Application Day Event. Larry Odom, CBHS principal, accepted the award from South Carolina Commission on Higher Education Commissioner Edgar Dyer and CHE Director of Student Affairs Dr. Karen Woodfaulk.

“The seniors at Carvers Bay High School would not be where they are today without the constant dedication of their principal, teachers, counselors, and strong community support,” Woodfaulk said. “The caring guidance of students at Carvers Bay deserves to be recognized and it is apparent that the Carvers Bay seniors appreciate what is done for them.” 

“I was delighted to be there and saw more school spirit and pride yesterday than I have seen in quite a while,” Dyer said.

ACAC events assist all high school seniors with submitting at least one college application. ACAC breaks down the application process and meets students where they are – in high school during the school day.

College Application Month was first held in South Carolina in 2009 and has become a vital component of state efforts to encourage college attendance. In its first year, just 12 high schools participated, with 1,000 seniors submitting about 2,000 applications collectively. This year, more than 200 events are scheduled in what is now called College Application Season, running from September through November.

Other officials in attendance included South Carolina Rep. Carl Anderson, South Carolina Sen. Ronnie Sabb, Dr. Marilyn Fore, Horry-Georgetown Technical College president, Keith Price, Superintendent of Georgetown County School District, Georgetown County School District Board of Trustees members, representatives from the South Carolina Department of Commerce, Santee-Cooper, and community members.