District Five graduates over 1,100 students, 2016 graduating class earns over $146 million in scholarships

IRMO, SC – Lexington-Richland School District Five’s class of 2016 walked the stage on May 31 and June 1 to receive their high school diplomas. Over 1,100 students graduated from Dutch Fork High School, Irmo High School, Chapin High School and Spring Hill High School. Among the four schools, students earned more than $146 million in total scholarships this year including both academic and athletic scholarships. This is the highest total scholarship amount in District Five history and it exceeds last year’s total by $25 million.

This year, 418 students graduated from Dutch Fork High and the class of 2016 earned nearly $51 million in scholarships. In her remarks to the graduates Guidance Director Dorothy Burckart said, “In this year’s class 252 students will be eligible for Palmetto, Life or Hope scholarships. Others will receive scholarships for their athletic ability, fine arts talents, community service, or merit based scholarships to out-of-state colleges. Each year, it is our goal at Dutch Fork to exceed the amount of total scholarships from the class of the year before and this year’s class is no exception.”

Irmo High’s Guidance Director Robert Taylor shared that, “Irmo High’s 2016 class has done an outstanding job of applying for scholarships this year and has been recognized by local, state and national organizations for their tradition of excellence in academics, athletics and community service. I’m extremely proud and honored to announce that this year’s class has earned over $37 million in scholarship dollars, congratulations!” Irmo High had 301 students graduate this year.

Chapin High had a total of 285 graduating this year. The 2016 graduating class continued the district’s level of excellence by earning over $25 million in scholarships. Annette Moore, Chapin High Guidance Director said, “The achievements of this class are a tribute to the combined efforts of parents, students, teachers, coaches and guidance counselors. Congratulations to the class of 2016!”

Spring Hill High School held their first ever graduation since opening their doors in the fall of 2013. 157 students earned their diplomas and Spring Hill High’s first graduating class earned nearly $33 million in scholarships. Karen Fallaw, Spring Hill High’s Guidance Director said, “71% of this graduating class has a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. In addition, 25% have maintained a cumulative grade point average of 4.0 or higher. 100% of the class of 2016 has completed at least one school of study. This class has done an outstanding job of applying for scholarships and has been recognized by local, state and national level organizations for their excellence in academics, athletics and community service.”

The scholarship amounts represent awards at 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, athletic awards and scholarships for leadership and community service.

Dr. Stephen Hefner, Superintendent for Lexington-Richland School District Five, said, “We are very proud of all our graduates and appreciate their hard work in continuing the level of excellence our district holds. We know our students will go on to do great things. Congratulations to the class of 2016!”