School District Five holds graduation ceremonies, announces more than $221 million in scholarships for Class of 2018

For Immediate Release – June 14, 2018

School District Five holds graduation ceremonies, announces more than $221 million in scholarships for Class of 2018

IRMO – Lexington-Richland School District Five’s 2018 graduates earned more than $221 million in scholarships this school year. The awards for students from Chapin High, Dutch Fork High, Irmo High and Spring Hill High schools include both academic and athletic scholarships. School District Five held graduation ceremonies June 8-9 at the Colonial Life Arena.

“The number of scholarships our students earn each year are a testament to their hard work and the work of our educators, parents and the community,” said Superintendent-elect Dr. Christina Melton. “We congratulate our graduates on a job well done.”

The scholarship amounts represent awards to date from four-year, two-year and technical colleges and universities in South Carolina and other states. Scholarships included academic scholarships such as the Legislative Incentive for Future Excellence (LIFE) Scholarship, Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, National Merit Scholarships, athletic awards and scholarships for leadership and community service.

It was a final commencement speech for retiring School District Five Superintendent Dr. Stephen Hefner. Following tradition, Hefner again spoke to graduates on the importance of the day and on how School District Five has well prepared students for college and careers.

“Perhaps the reason the high school graduation ceremony has remained a ritual of extreme significance is because it is the only universally recognized ceremony in our great nation that declares a person to be an adult,” he said. “By holding this ceremony in your honor, we are publicly stating that we believe you have acquired the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for lifelong learning, responsible citizenship and productivity in an ever-changing world.”

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