News Summary
Students from Laurens County have recently showcased their academic talents, with many making the President’s and Dean’s Lists at local universities. Recognitions highlight achievements in various fields, alongside plans for a new Career and Technology Education (CATE) Center to boost career opportunities for local students. This center aims to enhance educational pathways and prepare students for the evolving job market, with construction costs projected around $50 million and no immediate tax increases anticipated.
Laurens County, SC – Students from Laurens County have recently been recognized for their academic efforts, with many achieving notable honors during the Spring 2025 semester. Additionally, significant plans have been announced for a new Career and Technology Education (CATE) Center, aimed at fostering educational and career opportunities for local students.
Over 590 students at Bob Jones University made the Spring 2025 President’s List, demonstrating high academic achievement by maintaining a GPA of 3.75 or higher. Among those recognized from Laurens are Alice Barron, a Freshman majoring in Studio Art, and Natalie Witbeck, a Sophomore in Keyboard Performance. Furthermore, Jessalyn Padilla, a Junior studying Multimedia Journalism from Laurens, earned a place on the Dean’s List, which is awarded to students achieving a GPA between 3.00 and 3.74.
Spartanburg Methodist College also announced its Spring 2025 President’s List, which includes local students Carson Glenn and Thomas Pineros, both from Laurens, along with La’nayah Stewart from Clinton. The college’s Dean’s List recognizes students with GPAs of 3.5 or higher, including Laurens residents Desi Cruz Garduno and Kimberly Sosa-Hernandez.
Further recognition comes from the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, which will honor its 25th graduating class on May 23, 2025. Local graduates Carlyn Pysell and Reuben Shiflet are among the 102 students from 23 counties who are set to earn both a high school diploma and a Scholars Diploma. The Class of 2025 has collectively achieved numerous accolades, including 186 awards in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards Region-at-Large competition, 49 members recognized as National Honor Society members, and 35 students receiving National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards medals. Notably, 25 seniors were named Palmetto Fellows, highlighting their exceptional artistic talents.
In addition to these academic achievements, a new Career and Technology Education (CATE) Center has been proposed by Laurens County school districts 55 and 56. Currently, Laurens County is the only Upstate county without a dedicated facility for career and technical education, prompting a collaborative effort between the two districts. The new center aims to offer more opportunities for students while reducing program redundancies across both districts.
A strategic location for the CATE Center has been identified near the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce, enhancing accessibility for students. Initial planning has included renderings of the facility, with construction costs estimated around $50 million. Funding for the center is planned to be sourced through district resources, state assistance, and contributions from the county, with assurances that there will be no immediate tax increases as a result of this development.
Despite enthusiasm for the project, it may take up to two years for the center’s construction to begin, allowing ample time for financial arrangements and community input. This initiative represents a significant step forward in enhancing educational pathways and career readiness for the youth of Laurens County.
Overall, these educational achievements and developments mark a promising outlook for students in Laurens County, reinforcing the importance of academic excellence and the necessity of career-oriented education in today’s evolving job market.
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Additional Resources
- Laurens County Students Recognized
- Wikipedia: Education in South Carolina
- New Career Center in Laurens County
- Google Search: Career and Technology Education South Carolina
- South Carolina Governor’s School Graduates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Scholastic Art and Writing Awards
- West Virginia Batman Inspires Students
- Google News: Laurens County South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
