District 55 honors six students for top scores on SC READY tests
October 28, 2026
Six Laurens County School District 55 students were recognized for earning the maximum grade-level score on the 2025-2026 South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Assessments, known as SC READY.
Interim Superintendent Rhett Harris and School Board Chair Cathy Little presented certificates and plaques to the students during the Oct. 26 school board meeting. Board members Peggy Nance, Heather Elders, Chip Jenkins, Anthony Carpenter and Mike Hughes joined district and school administrators, family members and others in the audience in cheering for the honorees.
Students who earned the maximum score in math were Adelyn Wilson of Gray Court-Owings School, Elias Hardy of Hickory Tavern School, Jaxson Adams of Sanders Middle School and Landon Oliver of Waterloo Elementary School. Addison Magee and Andrew Wheeler, both of Hickory Tavern School, earned the maximum score in science.
SC READY tests are statewide assessments given to students in grades 3-8 as required by the Education Accountability Act. The tests align with state standards for each grade level and subject. Students who reach the maximum score have shown excellence in the skills and content knowledge outlined in South Carolina’s academic indicators and standards.
The honorees were thrilled to be recognized, and several shared what helped them succeed. Students pointed to good test-taking habits, steady studying throughout the year and outstanding teachers.
“I worked hard all year to pay attention in class and learn the material,” Addison said.
Adelyn described a careful approach to the test. “I took my time, read every question carefully, and checked my work. If I wasn’t sure about something, I tried a different strategy or thought about what I already knew. After I was finished, I went back through the test and did it again to make sure I was correct. I also didn’t rush just because other people were finishing.”
Andrew credited his teacher. “Mrs. Aviles taught me best. I worked out the problems without guessing and took my time,” he said.
Parents and students also thanked administrators and staff at their schools, with special recognition for Lisa Nelson, Neilson Smith, Katie Waldrop, Bailey Gibbs, Brittany Schaefer, Tera Kennedy and Jennifer Wilson.
Hickory Tavern School Principal Jennifer Robinson praised the three students from her school and the teachers who supported them.
“I could not be prouder of Elias, Addie, and Andrew for their hard work, perseverance, and outstanding academic achievements! I also want to recognize their teachers, Bailey Gibbs and Brittany Schaefer, whose intentional instruction, individualized support, and belief in their students have been instrumental in their success. Their dedication reflects the culture of excellence we strive to create every day at Hickory Tavern School. We are thrilled to celebrate these well-deserved accomplishments!”
The district also credits parents for playing a key role in student success, whether by working on schoolwork together at home or by finding other ways to make learning part of everyday life.
Nic Wheeler, Andrew’s father, found a creative way to turn video games into lessons.
“He (Andrew) has played Minecraft from a young age, and I used it as a tool for both reading and math by telling him he could play only if he figured things out, read what the blocks were, and counted how many of something he needed for the next crafting project. Minecraft is also predominantly base-8, which provided insight into counting how many items would fit into a stack (16, 24, 32, and 64 mostly), and he was able to discover on his own that these numbers were related to each other and would divide evenly.”
Wheeler said another game, Kerbal Space Program, introduced his son to orbital mechanics, thrust-to-weight ratios, solar cycles and the effect of gravity on an object, as far as a game can simulate them. Andrew designed and built his own rocket in the game and successfully reached a circular orbit.
District 55 hopes to see the number of students earning the maximum SC READY score continue to grow. The district will keep supporting teachers and staff through coaching and professional learning to help students succeed academically.
