A concurrent RESOLUTION

to recognize and honor Belton-Honea Path High School for being named a national School of Excellence and to congratulate the administration, faculty, Staff, and students for their contributions to this achievement.

Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly is pleased to learn that Belton-Honea Path High School in Anderson County School District Two was one of only twenty-seven schools nationwide, and the only one in South Carolina, to win the prestigious School of Excellence award; and

Whereas, the school earned the title, according to the American College Application Campaign, because of its successful efforts to increase the number of low-income and first-generation students applying for college; and

Whereas, the Belton-Honea Path counseling department at the school hosts an excellent application day for the students with a different theme every year. The counselors dress in costumes and invite every senior to come when college representatives visit the school to walk students through the college application process; and

Whereas, the school also hosts FAFSA Day, when counselors can talk with students and their families about financial aid, help fill out FAFSA forms, and explore scholarships related to their academic interest. Students at Belton-Honea Path admit that applying for college can be confusing or overwhelming, but the school's counselors have helped to put their minds at ease; and

Whereas, the counselors helped students know what classes to take, helped them with financial questions, even encouraged them to apply to schools they thought they could not afford, and taught them how to file for FAFSA that could help defray tuition expenses; and

Whereas, last fall, two hundred twenty-three college applications were filled out from Belton-Honea Path High School, and counselors were able to help students confidently map out their futures for a career path; and

Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly is grateful for the extraordinary work of Belton-Honea Path High School to ensure that students are prepared for study post high school and have learned to plan for a successful future. With the announcement of the national award, Belton-Honea Path will receive a well-deserved honorary plaque to commemorate the award. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize and honor Belton-Honea Path High School for being named a national school of excellence and to congratulate the administration, faculty, staff, and students for their contributions to this achievement.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Principal Mary Boarts.

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