PICKENS COUNTY — The School District of Pickens County received good news this week as 18 of the 25 schools in the district have earned Gold and Silver General Awards from the state department of education.

Several schools also received Gold and Silver Closing the Gap Awards.

“Having so many of our schools earn this honor is outstanding,” said Dr. Henry Hunt, superintendent of the School District of Pickens County. “The awards prove that teachers and administrators make student achievement a priority. I am proud of each dedicated Pickens County educator who had a part in the students’ success.”

Gold and Silver General Awards are given to schools for attaining high levels of absolute performance or steady growth demonstrated over a minimum of two consecutive years. Gold and Silver Closing the Achievement Gap Awards are given to schools that show substantial progress in closing achievement gaps between groups of students.

Schools receiving awards included:

• Ambler Elementary — Gold General Award; Silver Closing the Achievement Gap Award.

• Central Elementary — Silver General Award.

• Clemson Elementary — Gold General Award.

• Crosswell Elementary — Gold General Awards; Silver Closing the Achievement Gap Award.

• Dacusville Elementary — Silver General Awards; Silver Closing the Achievement Award.

• Daniel High — Gold General Award.

• Easley High — Silver General Award; Silver Closing the Achievement Gap Award.

• East End Elementary — Gold General Award: Silver Closing the Achievement Gap Award.

• Edwards Middle — Gold Achievement Award.

• Forest Acres Elementary — Gold General Award.

• Hagood Elementary — Silver General Award; Silver Closing the Achievement Gap Award.

• Holly Springs Elementary — Gold General Awards; Gold Closing the Achievement Gap Award;

• AR Lewis Elementary — Gold General Awards; Silver Closing the Achievement Gap Award.

• Liberty Elementary —Gold General Award; Silver Closing the Achievement Gap Award.

• Liberty High — Silver General Award; Silver Closing the Achievement Gap Award.

• Pickens High— Silver General Award.

• Six Mile Elementary — Silver General Award.

• Skelton Career Center — Gold General Award.

“Having this many winners is phenomenal,” said Brenda Turner, assistant superintendent for instructional services. “We have a total of 28 awards in SDPC. This achievement is the result of the many dedicated professionals who have worked collaboratively with their colleagues to achieve difficult academic goals.”

According to Turner, teachers have focused on results.

“They have met daily to share best practices, perform in-depth data analysis, develop curriculum maps based on scope and sequence, and develop benchmark assessments,” Turner said. “They have achieved a difficult task, and they continue to focus on helping each student find success. I join Dr. Hunt in applauding the outstanding School District of Pickens County professionals.”

Schools recognized for general performance receive an award flag and a certificate from the South Carolina Department of Education. Schools recognized for closing achievement gaps receive an award certificate.