2026 GCSD High School Graduation Info
GCSD is proud to honor all graduates and celebrate this important milestone with the Class of 2026. Unless otherwise noted, all graduations will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the high school’s football stadium.
May 20, 2026 Georgetown County Adult Education - 6 p.m. at Howard Auditorium May 26, 2026 Waccamaw High School
May 27, 2026 Andrews High School
May 28, 2026 Carvers Bay Early College & Career High School
May 29, 2026 Georgetown High School
* Gates for ticketed guests will be open from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. Gates for guests without tickets will be open from 7 p.m. - 7:25 p.m., as space and seating allow. All gates will close at 7:30 p.m. Gates will reopen following the processional and national anthem.
Safety and security remain the District’s top priority. Please be aware of the following safety protocols and procedures:
● Metal detectors and/or Open Gates will be used. Law enforcement and safety officials will be present.
● Clear Bag Procedures (jpeg) will be enforced. Small clutch bags no larger than 4.5” x 6.5” will be allowed.
● Prohibited items include but are not limited to: firearms/knives/pocket knives/concealable weapons; mace/pepper spray; coolers; alcoholic beverages; laser lights/laser pointers/strobe lights; fireworks/explosives; artificial noisemakers; inflatables (beach balls, etc.); balloons; and signs.
● Guests are permitted to bring sealed bottles of water. All other food and beverages are prohibited.
● The use of any tobacco product, electronic cigarettes, or vapes is prohibited on all District property, including but not limited to, school buildings, athletic facilities, District vehicles, and parking lots.
The weather forecast will be monitored daily. In the event of rain or inclement weather, the scheduled graduation will be moved to the high school’s gymnasium. Due to capacity restrictions, only ticketed guests will be permitted into the gymnasium or auditorium. Additionally, in the event of inclement weather, only employees working at the host school will be admitted with a valid employee ID; all other employees must present a ticket for entry. Tickets will be marked for entry. Each school will announce prior to graduation which tickets allow entry into the gymnasium.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
#TeamGCSD
GCSD will offer several ONLINE bus driver training classes this summer, including both daytime and evening options:
• June 8-11 | 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
• June 15-18 | 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• June 22-25 | 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
• July 6-9 | 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
• July 20-23 | 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• July 27-30 | 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Interested applicants should:
1. Click on Employment Opportunities and complete the Bus Driver application.
2. Email a copy of their driver’s license and contact phone number to cdavis@gcsd.k12.sc.us or kwilson@gcsd.k12.sc.us.
3. Complete the required background and driver’s license checks.
4. Select preferred class dates.
5. Enroll in a summer class.
Pay ranges from $18.26 to $25.43 per hour based on experience, with some routes qualifying as full-time positions with benefits.
Join #TeamGCSD and help safely transport our students each day.
The Turn Around Student Award recognizes students who have demonstrated resilience, determination, and meaningful growth in their academic journey. These students exemplify perseverance, dedication, and significant academic improvement while reflecting the lasting impact of Dr. Celeste Pringle, who believed deeply in the promise of every child.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients:
Andrews Elementary – Dalton Case Nesbitt
Andrews High – Nelson Lockhart
Brown’s Ferry Elementary for the Creative & Performing Arts – Kingsley Holmes
Carvers Bay Middle STEAM Academy – Samiya Thomas
Carvers Bay Early College and Career High School – Eli Dennis Baxley
Coastal Montessori Charter School – Haleemah Tenaja Carolyn Rhue
Georgetown High – Israel On’raie Grayson
Georgetown Middle – A’Mil Lacardio Miller
Kensington Elementary – Ainyla Zendaya Johnson-Lafar
Maryville Elementary – Dah’Kahri Lewis
McDonald Elementary – Har’lem Winns
Plantersville Digital Immersion School – Yasmin Holmes
Pleasant Hill Elementary STREAM Academy – Trystan Rivers Haselden
Rosemary Middle – Dawson Gage Price
Sampit Elementary – Kiara Robinson
Waccamaw Elementary – Lincoln James Coburn
Waccamaw High – Matthew Patrick McCormack
Waccamaw Intermediate – Linda Eden Orr
Waccamaw Middle – Jehferridan Clifton Burgess
We are proud of each of these students and the determination they have shown in overcoming challenges and striving for success.
#TeamGCSD
#TurnAroundStudents
Under the direction of Mrs. Jina Narron, our BEACH Singers delivered an outstanding performance that showcased not only their musical abilities, but also their dedication, teamwork, and passion for the arts.
Thank you to our families, staff, and community members who joined us at Winyah Auditorium to support these students. Your presence makes a difference and helps create opportunities like this for our performers to shine.
We are proud of each student who took the stage and represented #TeamGCSD so well.
#TeamGCSD
#BEACHSingers
Held at the South Carolina State House, this statewide event honors outstanding high school seniors who have committed to pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The ceremony recognizes students’ academic achievements and connects them with leaders in education and industry as they prepare for their next steps.
As part of this prestigious recognition, Aeryn was awarded a $2,500 scholarship in support of her future in STEM.
We are incredibly proud of Aeryn’s accomplishments and look forward to all she will achieve.
#TeamGCSD
#WaccamawWarrior
#STEMSigningDay
#Classof2026
To read the official press release, visit
https://myscmc.org/news-release-91-high-school-seniors-honored-at-10th-annual-sc-stem-signing-day/
As we conclude our third year of #GCSDReads, we reflect on the impact of bringing stories into classrooms across Georgetown County School District. Each visit was an opportunity to spark imagination, build knowledge, and remind students that reading opens doors to endless possibilities.
We are grateful to our schools, students, and guest readers who helped make this initiative meaningful. Together, we continue to build a culture where reading is valued, encouraged, and celebrated every day.
#GCSDReads
#TeamGCSD
Throughout the morning, students participated in team-building activities, basketball challenges, and guided conversations designed to elevate student voice. From “Shoot and Share” to “Tic Tac Talk” and “Double Dribble,” each station encouraged students to reflect, respond, and share honest feedback about their school experiences, ideas for improvement, and what matters most to them as learners.
The day also included friendly competition, collaboration across schools, and opportunities for students to connect with one another while engaging directly with Dr. Giles. The finale served as a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to students and creating space for open, authentic dialogue.
#FreeThrowFridays continues to be an impactful way for GCSD to hear directly from students and use their voices to guide meaningful improvement across the District. Photos from the finale are included below.
#GCSDReads
#WESDolphins
#DolphinsLoveToRead
Physicals will be available at each of our high schools on the following dates:
• April 23, 1:30 p.m. – Andrews High School
• April 30, 1:30 p.m. – Georgetown High School
• May 7, 1:30 p.m. – Carvers Bay High School
• May 14, 2:30 p.m. – Waccamaw High School
These physicals help ensure students are ready to safely participate in athletics for the upcoming school year.
We appreciate Tidelands Health for their continued support of GCSD students and athletic programs.
#GCSDReads
#TeamGCSD
#WISGators
This event is a great opportunity to register for the 2026–2027 school year and connect with valuable school and community resources. Families will also have the chance to learn more about attendance expectations and complete the 2026 Parent & Guardian School Climate Survey.
Translation services will be available to support our multilingual families.
In addition to important information and resources, families will receive pizza to take home and have the opportunity to win door prizes.
We look forward to welcoming you and supporting your family as we prepare for a successful school year.
#TeamGCSD
Waccamaw High School wrestling student-athletes were honored for their achievements during the 2025–2026 season. Kayden Melendez and Owen Patterson were recognized as both All-State wrestlers and individual State Champions, while J.D. Huffstetler earned All-State honors. Their accomplishments reflect discipline, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence.
Carvers Bay Middle STEAM Academy’s Beta Club was recognized on the national level as a recipient of the 2025–2026 National Beta John W. Harris Leadership Award. CBMSA is one of only five Junior Beta clubs in the nation to receive this honor, which highlights excellence in achievement, character, leadership, and service. The recognition was accepted by Beta Club sponsor Tamara Tucker, along with school administration and students.
Waccamaw High School’s Windtalkers Competitive Speech & Debate Team was recognized for earning the 3A State Championship and placing third overall among all classifications. Individual honors included state champions Presleigh Boan and Olivia De’Oliveria. The team continues a strong tradition of excellence under the leadership of Coach Ree Lawson.
Georgetown County School District is proud of these students, educators, and schools for representing #TeamGCSD with excellence and for continuing to demonstrate the values of academics, achievement, arts, and athletics.
Georgetown County School District is excited to recognize five outstanding early-career educators as finalists for the 2026 Rookie Teacher of the Year:
• Sabrina Dorion – Andrews Elementary School
• Abagail McClellan – Kensington Elementary School
• Aaliyah Jones – Maryville Elementary School
• Mason Collins – Waccamaw Middle/Waccamaw Intermediate School
• Brittany Hilburn – Waccamaw High School
These finalists were selected from a talented group of first-year and early-career teachers across the district. We are proud to recognize the following nominees:
• Anna Floyd – Andrews High School
• Rhomona Reed – Browns Ferry Elementary School for the Creative & Performing Arts
• Kayleigh Nawrocki – Carvers Bay Early College & Career High School
• Diana Miller – Carvers Bay Middle STEAM Academy
• Natalie Doudican – Coastal Montessori Charter School
• Ross Cox – Georgetown High School
• Julie Youngs – Georgetown Middle School
• Taneshia Powell – Plantersville Elementary Digital Immersion School
• Allison Skidmore – Pleasant Hill Elementary STREAM Academy
• Kelsey Connelly – Rosemary Middle School
• Stephanie Lewis – Waccamaw Elementary School
We are incredibly proud of these educators who are already making a meaningful impact in their classrooms and school communities. The 2026 Rookie Teacher of the Year will be announced in April.
#TeamGCSD
#GCSDRTOY
#2026OfTheYear
Announcing the 2026 GCSD Support Staff of the Year Finalists!
Georgetown County School District is proud to announce the five finalists for the 2026 GCSD Support Staff of the Year. These individuals go above and beyond in their roles, supporting our schools, students, and staff each day:
Lindsay Cox – Andrews Elementary School
Donna Britton – Plantersville Elementary Digital Immersion School
Lashawna Armstrong – Carvers Bay Middle STEAM Academy
Muryel Sumpter – Georgetown Middle School
Temple Cuttino – Carvers Bay Early College & Career High School
These finalists were selected from a strong group of school and department-level honorees across the district, including:
Fredrick Wright – Andrews High School
Janet Langley – Browns Ferry Elementary School for the Creative & Performing Arts
Stephanie Brady – Coastal Montessori Charter School
Melissa Cumbee - District Office
Shanell Green – Georgetown County Adult Education/Howard Alternative Placement Program
Sharee Cohens - Georgetown High School
Ashley Glass – Kensington Elementary School
Bessie Adderson – Maryville Elementary School
Karen Poston – McDonald Elementary School
Janna Blackwelder – Pleasant Hill Elementary STREAM Academy
Barbara Brown – Rosemary Middle School
Jennifer Evans – Sampit Elementary
Eleanor Jansky – Waccamaw Elementary School
Honey Lance - Waccamaw High School
Sandor Spain – Waccamaw Intermediate School
Tianna Pyatt – Waccamaw Middle School
We are grateful for the vital role each of these individuals plays in supporting student success across Georgetown County School District. The 2026 GCSD Support Staff of the Year will be announced at the GCSD “Of the Year” Gala in May.
#TeamGCSD
#GCSDSSOY
#2026OfTheYear
Georgetown County School District is proud to recognize two outstanding leaders as finalists for the 2026 GCSD Administrator of the Year:
• Seth Hillman – Georgetown Middle School
• Ginny Haynes – Waccamaw Middle School
These leaders exemplify dedication, innovation, and a commitment to creating supportive and high-achieving school environments for students and staff.
The 2026 Administrator of the Year will be announced at the GCSD “Of the Year” Gala in May. Stay tuned!
#TeamGCSD
#GCSDAOY
#2026OfTheYear
Announcing the 2026 GCSD Teacher of the Year Finalists!
Georgetown County School District is proud to recognize five outstanding educators who have been selected as finalists for the 2026 GCSD Teacher of the Year:
• Corey Baldwin – Maryville Elementary School
• Eric Baril – Georgetown Middle School
• Luis Betancourt – Carvers Bay Early College & Career High School
• Shavonne Collington – Georgetown High School
• George Geer – Waccamaw High School
These finalists were selected from an exceptional group of school-level Teachers of the Year across GCSD. We are proud to recognize the following nominees for their dedication and impact on student success:
• Heather Turner – Andrews Elementary
• Bethany Stearns-Miller – Andrews High
• Deanne Snowden – Browns Ferry Elementary School for the Creative & Performing Arts
• Ma Luisa Andrada – Carvers Bay Middle STEAM Academy
• Nikki Graziano – Coastal Montessori Charter School
• Jennifer Hagaman – Georgetown County Adult Education/Howard Alternative Placement Program
• Natasha Ryals – Kensington Elementary School
• Nicole Wall – McDonald Elementary School
• Melissa Chastain – Plantersville Elementary Digital Immersion School
• Kenley Thomas – Pleasant Hill Elementary STREAM Academy
• Kimberly Griffith-Johnson – Rosemary Middle School
• Tacha Johnson – Sampit Elementary School
• Lori Hudgins – Waccamaw Elementary School
• Cheyenne Baril – Waccamaw Intermediate School
• Meghan Chinn – Waccamaw Middle School
We thank each of these educators for the meaningful difference they make in the lives of students every day. The 2026 GCSD Teacher of the Year will be announced at the GCSD “Of the Year” Gala in May.
#TeamGCSD
#GCSDTOY
#2026OfTheYear
Due to the latest forecast for severe weather expected to impact Georgetown County on Monday, March 16, all Georgetown County School District schools and offices will be closed.
The National Weather Service is forecasting potentially dangerous weather conditions, including damaging winds and possible tornado activity during the school day. Out of an abundance of caution and in coordination with local emergency management officials, GCSD will not hold in-person classes.
All after-school activities scheduled for Monday, March 16, including athletic practices, games, meetings, and other events, are cancelled.
Parents and guardians should check their email for additional details regarding the eLearning schedule and expectations.
The safety of our students, staff, and families remains our top priority.
#TeamGCSD
Auditions are coming up for the Summer BEACH Visual Art, Choral Music, and Drama programs!
Students who will be rising 6th–12th graders are invited to audition on Tuesday, April 14 at Georgetown Middle School.
Nomination forms can be downloaded here:
Art - https://drive.google.com/file/d/15S8zG1e_0z80XVDTo5v82aZJxJDBoTl3/view?usp=sharing
Drama - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jDierDKIPq0dGszeXs4aviUoK2mIZ2M7/view?usp=sharing
Choral Music - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NxFs-PcvwjWmdNSYo8M_bbxyenh2AGyj/view?usp=sharing
Forms may be completed by students, parents, or teachers, but all nominations must be submitted by March 25.
Students accepted into the program will participate June 2–4, June 8–11, and June 15–18 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. each day.
For audition preparation:
• Art: Bring 4 artwork pieces, complete a drawing, and participate in a short interview
• Drama: Perform a 2–3 minute monologue, oral reading, or verbal improvisation
• Music: Perform a solo and complete a simple rhythm exercise
SCDE is hosting a FREE Mentorship and Literacy Tutoring Training on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at The Lake House (318 Charles St., Lake City, SC).
Participants will:
• Experience a John Maxwell i-Lead Transformation Table
• Hear from two South Carolina organizations that successfully mentor students
• Learn literacy tutoring strategies from two SCDE literacy specialists
This community-focused training is designed to equip participants with tools they can use both in and out of schools to guide others in a positive direction through mentoring and to help struggling readers through literacy tutoring.
While the primary focus is on community members, educators are welcome to attend and can earn three renewal credits for participation.
SCDE is targeting the entire Pee Dee Region — eleven counties — and is hoping to reach as many individuals and organizations as possible. Please consider sharing this opportunity with school leaders, churches and ecumenical partners, extended learning programs, and community networks who may benefit.
The event is free, but pre-registration is recommended to ensure adequate materials are prepared. Please use the QR code on the flyer to register.
Thank you for helping support mentoring and literacy efforts across our region.
