A.C. Flora High School receives CHE College Application Month School of Excellence award

A.C. Flora High School in Richland County School District One was recognized Tuesday by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education as South Carolina’s 2025-26 College Application Month School of Excellence for its outstanding commitment to helping students pursue education and training after high school.

The annual recognition highlights a South Carolina high school that goes above and beyond in its College Application Month efforts, creating an engaging and supportive environment that helps seniors explore post-secondary opportunities and complete college applications.

A.C. Flora school leaders, students and community members were joined for the presentation by State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver, Richland School District One Superintendent Dr. Todd Walker, Sen. Overture Walker, Rep. Heather Bauer, CHE President and Executive Director Dr. Jeff Perez, and Tyler Morris from the American College Application Campaign.

“I’m extremely proud of A.C. Flora on being named the 2025-2026 College Application Month School of Excellence. Being selected for this award demonstrates that A.C. Flora goes above and beyond to help seniors successfully navigate the often-complex college application process,” said Dr. Todd Walker, Superintendent, Richland School District One.

A.C. Flora High School Principal Susan Childs credited the success of the school’s college application event to the students as well.

“I’m obviously very proud of the work of the adults, but also that the students have the resilience to get those applications filled out,” Childs said. “A.C. Flora is very fortunate to have many accolades, and we're pleased to be the one school in the state of South Carolina to receive this award this year.”

The School of Excellence award was presented by Tyler Morris, representing the American College Application Campaign. During the award presentation, Morris also noted that AC Flora High School was one of only 26 high schools selected nationally as an American College Application Campaign School of Excellence.

During her remarks to the students, Superintendent Weaver emphasized that a great education serves as the "front door of the American dream" and provides access to many opportunities. She noted that regardless of whether a student chooses a four-year college, a two-year technical school, the military, or the workforce, preparation is essential.

She encouraged students to understand that small, thoughtful decisions—such as applying for college or demonstrating character—accumulate to create significant life opportunity

“I encourage you to continue making those small choices every day, because those small choices are going to add up to big opportunity as you pursue whatever the pathway is that is right for you to reach your full potential,” Weaver said. “A great education opens the door to a great life, and that great life is predicated on knowledge, on skills, and on strong character.”

Perez noted the recent 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001 during his remarks and pushed students to make the most out of every opportunity.

“I know that's not the kind of speech you expect to get at an event like this, but I'm here to challenge you to make the most of your lives. That's what everybody here is out to help you do- to fill out your college application so you can go to college, pursue your dreams, and make the most out of every day.”

College Application Month is part of a national effort to increase the number of students who pursue education and training beyond high school, with particular emphasis on supporting students who may face barriers in navigating the college application process.

South Carolina’s campaign has grown significantly since College Application Month was first held in the state in 2009, when 12 high schools participated and approximately 1,000 seniors submitted about 2,000 applications.

During the 2025 campaign, 256 South Carolina high schools participated in College Application Month events. More than 17,700 seniors participated, submitting more than 37,000 college applications. Students also benefited from application fee waivers offered by 47 South Carolina colleges and universities during the campaign.

College Application Month events bring school counselors, college representatives and other partners directly to high schools to help seniors identify postsecondary options, navigate application requirements and complete and submit applications. The campaign is one component of CHE’s broader college access efforts designed to help South Carolinians successfully transition from high school to education and training beyond high school.

College Application Month supports CHE’s statewide efforts to increase postsecondary educational attainment and strengthen South Carolina’s workforce. By helping students understand and access the opportunities available after high school, the campaign seeks to put more South Carolinians on a path toward credentials and degrees that lead to meaningful careers and meet the state’s evolving workforce needs.

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