Twenty district schools were among 403 schools throughout South Carolina to earn Palmetto Gold and Silver awards recognizing academic achievement, student academic improvement and closing achievement gaps in 2008. This year’s awards were given in two parts: General Performance and Closing the Achievement Gap.

General Performance Gold Award winners are: Green Sea Floyds High School, Loris High School, Myrtle Beach High School, Lakewood Elementary School, Forestbrook Elementary School, and the Academy for Arts, Science & Technology. 

General Performance Silver Award winners are: St. James Middle School, Carolina Forest High School, and Burgess Elementary School.

Closing the Achievement Gap Gold Award winners are: Green Sea Floyds High School, Lakewood Elementary School, Midland Elementary School, Forestbrook Elementary School, and Seaside Elementary School. 

Closing the Achievement Gap Silver Award winners are: North Myrtle Beach High School, Myrtle Beach High School, Socastee High School, Aynor Elementary School, Myrtle Beach Elementary School, St. James Middle School, North Myrtle Beach Elementary School, Carolina Forest Elementary School, Myrtle Beach Intermediate School, St. James High School, Ocean Bay Elementary School, and Burgess Elementary School.