Delmae Elementary Named Palmetto’s Finest

Cheers resounded through the halls Tuesday afternoon when the news they had been waiting for was announced: Delmae is officially one of the Palmetto’s Finest. With this prestigious award from the South Carolina Association of School Administrators, Delmae is recognized as the best elementary school in the state.

To be considered for the award, Delmae submitted an extensive application that evaluated the school’s professional learning community, instructional programs, culture and student achievement. They also received an onsite visit from the Palmetto’s Finest Committee. Six finalists were announced in January and each finalist received a second onsite visit from the committee. 

“This award is confirmation of all the hard work and the dedication that this school family has as it relates to children,” said Delmae Principal Roy Ann Jolley. “This is not a solo recognition. This is a recognition for our community, our parents, our staff, our school district. Most importantly, this is a recognition for our kids. All of those stakeholders have played a major role and that is why this is happening.”

Florence 1 Schools Superintendent Richard O’Malley said he is proud to be celebrating another statewide achievement for a school in Florence 1.

“We are overjoyed that Delmae Elementary School has been selected as a Palmetto’s Finest Elementary School,” O’Malley said. “This is the second year in a row that a school in Florence 1 has been recognized as one of the best schools in the state of South Carolina. We believe that Florence 1 Schools is the best school district in the state and another statewide recognition exemplifies this. All across the state people are talking about how something special is happening in Florence 1 and I want everyone to know that it is the special staff we have in each building who truly make the difference.”

Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education Michelle Wynn said that Delmae is very deserving of the award.

"We are thrilled that Delmae has been named Palmetto's Finest," Wynn said. "Ms. Jolley and her staff have always worked incredibly hard, putting their students first in everything they do. I am so happy to see them being recognized as one of the best schools in the state." 

“I am certainly very excited for the Delmae school family,” said Florence 1 Board Chairman Porter Stewart. “Everyone there has worked extremely hard to meet the rigorous requirements of this recognition. The state has chosen wisely! I especially wish to thank Principal Jolley for having chosen to continue as a pace-setting administrator in our community. Leadership matters. Here, we certainly see its manifestation. I also thank, again, the entire school family across the board. Something like this takes the buy-in and commitment of everyone. Well done, everyone! Keep it up. Your children are much the better because of your dedication.”

Barry Townsend, a former Delmae parent, has represented the Delmae district on the school board since 2012. He said that his family is proud to be part of the Delmae community.

“As Delmae parents four times over, we have seen firsthand how this remarkable school prepares students for lifelong academic and personal success,” Townsend said. “We could not be prouder for Delmae Elementary to be named one of Palmetto’s Finest."