South Carolina Governor’s Schools Host “Endless Opportunities” Information Sessions Across the State
The Governor’s School for Agriculture at John de la Howe (JDLH), the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities (SCGSAH), and the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) will host Endless Opportunities, a series of joint information sessions for prospective students and families this April.
(EDIT: JDLH's open enrollment will start in August)
South Carolina’s Governor’s Schools are public, residential high schools that serve students interested in pursuing advanced studies in agribusiness, the arts, or STEM disciplines. Tuition is free, though fees for meals and residential housing may apply. South Carolina students are eligible to apply for admission based on grade level.
Endless Opportunities is designed for students and families interested in learning more about the schools’ residential high school programs. Each one-hour session will feature presentations from the schools followed by a question-and-answer session with school representatives.
Information Session Dates and Locations
Monday, April 20
Richland Library Main Theater
1431 Assembly St., Columbia, SC 29201
6–7 p.m.
Monday, April 20
Piedmont Technical College, O’Dell Center
610 Emerald Road S., Greenwood, SC 29646
6:30–7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 22
SIMT Building, Florence-Darlington Technical College
1951 Pisgah Road, Classroom 250
Florence, SC 29501
6:30–7:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 23
Aiken County Public Library
314 Chesterfield St. S.W.
Aiken, SC 29801
6:30–7:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 23
Dorchester County Library – North Charleston
8620 Patriot Blvd.
North Charleston, SC 29420
6:30–7:30 p.m.
To learn more or register to attend, visit EndlessOpportunitiesSC.com.
About the South Carolina Governor's School for Agriculture
The South Carolina Governor’s School for Agriculture at John de la Howe (JDLH) is a public residential high school focused on providing a unique and challenging agricultural education program. Located in McCormick, S.C., on 1,310 acres of forest and farmland, students in grades 10–12 have the opportunity to receive hands-on training in agribusiness, forestry, equipment operation, land management, food science, and more. Summer camps, in-person fieldtrips, and adult learning opportunities are a fundamental element of the school's youth and community involvement. Learn more at delahowe.sc.gov.
About the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities
Located in Greenville, the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities cultivates young artists from across the state through pre-professional training in creative writing, dance, drama, music and visual arts. In the public residential high school, students refine their talents in an arts-centered community while receiving a nationally recognized academic education. Summer programs are available for rising seventh- through 12th-grade students. The Governor’s School also serves as a resource to teachers and students across South Carolina through comprehensive outreach programs that bring together artists, educators, community organizations and schools. Learn more at scgsah.org.
About the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics
The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) is a nationally ranked top 10 public high school that exists to bring world-class STEM education to students across the state. Founded in 1988 by Gov. Carroll Campbell, GSSM is a state resource that offers a variety of programs including an intensive two-year residential high school, online courses, summer camps, and in-school experiences for students in 3rd through 12th grades. At GSSM challenge is viewed as a gateway to opportunity. Learn more about how we help students realize their full potential by visiting www.scgssm.org.


Miss FFA Pageant 2026
The Winner is....
Anna Lynn Flowers from the Loris FFA Chapter!
1st Runner-Up: Abagail Daniel's from the Ashley Ridge FFA Chapter
2nd Runner-Up: Sara Corn from the SC Governor's School for Agriculture FFA Chapter
3rd Runner-Up: Lillian Turner from the Union County FFA Chapter
4th Runner-Up: Calisaa Bowers from the North Central FFA Chapter
Highest Application Score: Elizabeth Viseth from the SC Governor's School for Agriculture FFA Chapter
Highest Interview Score: Emma Lusk from the Walhalla FFA Chapter
Highest Evening Wear Score: Anna Lynn Flowers from the Loris FFA Chapter
In no particular order: the rest of Top 10
Kennedy Keskey from the SC Governor's School for Agriculture FFA Chapter
Bella Chilers from the Ashley Ridge FFA Chapter
Madeline Foret from the WTC Kershaw FFA Chapter
Dacy Freeman from the York FFA Chapter
Elizabeth Viseth from the SC Governor's School for Agriculture FFA Chapter

Cash Prizes!
March 7th
9:30am - 12pm
Check out the flyer for more details.

Dear Aggie Family,
Students may return to campus today (Monday, February 2nd) beginning at 4:00 PM. We strongly encourage all returning students to be on campus by 6:00 PM.
The roads around campus are clear and dry. I would like to thank the hard-working men and women from SCDOT who cleared the roads. Their staff also kept me up to date with current weather conditions, so we can make calculated and safety-centered decisions.
We will also have an E-learning option for those students who may live in an area where travel is still unsafe. If a student chooses this option, please notify Mr. Thompson, Mrs. Lively, and your teachers via email.
We are excited to see our Aggies returning to the farm!
Respectfully,
Timothy R. Keown, Ph.D.

Tomorrow, February 2, we will have an e-learning day. We will continue to monitor road conditions and will make a decision regarding Tuesday as more information becomes available.
Please enjoy the snow, but above all, stay safe.
Respectfully,
Timothy R. Keown, Ph.D.


We are now closely monitoring the upcoming snowstorm that is expected to arrive in SC as soon as Friday night. Please monitor your emails as we gather more information.
We will not have a mandatory campus evacuation this weekend.
Since this storm is forecasted to be a "dry" snow, power outages are less likely. However, we have backup generators in four of our residential halls. So, students who choose to stay this weekend may be asked to "huddle up" in those four residential halls if we do lose power.
For those students who choose to go home this weekend, we will monitor the roads for your return trip to campus. If needed, we are prepared to offer E-learning until it is safe to return to campus.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email me directly.
Respectfully,
Timothy R. Keown, Ph.D.
President

Students may begin returning to campus tomorrow, Tuesday January 27th, at 4 PM.
Parents and students, if you live in an area where the roads are still unsafe tomorrow, please email Mr. Thompson and your teachers for an individualized E-learning plan.
Respectfully,
Timothy R. Keown, Ph.D.
President
SCGSA

UPDATE as of 1-26-2026 4:33pm
Dear Aggie Family,
Students may begin returning to campus tomorrow, Tuesday January 27th, at 4 PM.
Parents and students, if you live in an area where the roads are still unsafe tomorrow, please email Mr. Thompson and your teachers for an individualized E-learning plan.
Respectfully,
Timothy R. Keown, Ph.D.
President
SCGSA
All,
I hope everyone is safe and warm!
In-person classes are canceled for Monday and Tuesday. Please monitor your email on Tuesday as we decide about Wednesday.
Students will receive E-learning assignments from their teachers. If anyone does not have power at home, we will work with you individually upon your return to complete the assignments.
Respectfully,
Tim Keown, Ph.D.
President
With the inclement weather forecast for this weekend, we have decided to have a mandatory student evacuation for this weekend. Students will need to sign out Friday January 23rd beginning at 11:20 AM. All students must depart by 2:00 PM. For now, we will plan for students to return to campus Monday January 26th beginning at 4:00 PM.
Please monitor your emails this weekend. If the roads are still considered dangerous for travel on Monday, we will plan for students to return on Tuesday January 27th beginning at 4:00 PM.
The weather models we are watching would directly impact our campus and much of the state. We must plan for the worst-case scenario. Electrical service outages are also predicted for our region.
You will receive more information concerning virtual assignments from our teachers. Those students who have animals here will receive more information from our farm staff or their Ag. teacher.
Please stay safe and warm!
Respectfully,
Timothy R. Keown, Ph.D.
President
SC Governor's School for Agriculture
at John de la Howe
Ag Fest is coming!
Save the date - March 7th
Check-In
UPDATE: Rabbit Show is now on Friday at 4pm. (In Brice Building Atrium)
Dairy Cattle Check in 9:00 am Show 10:00 am (Tent #2)
Beef Cattle Show Check in 1:00 pm, Show 2:00 pm (Tent #2)
Breeding Doe Goats Check in 9:00 am, Show 10:00 am (Tent #1)
Dairy Goat Check in 12:00, Show 1:00 pm (Tent #1)
Poultry Showmanship Check in 1:00 pm, Show 2:00 pm (Atrium)
Swine Show Check in 2:00 pm, Show 3:00 pm (Tent #1)
Equine TBD


January 6, 2026
UPDATE - January 7, 2026, 11:00am
Missing person has been located near his residence and is being cleared by EMS. This will conclude the search and rescue activities near the campus.
MISSING PERSON SEARCH ONGOING NEAR THE JOHN DE LA HOWE CAMPUS
Dear John de la Howe parents and guardians,
We wanted to share with you that area law enforcement agencies are conducting a search for a missing person near the campus. As a result, there may be a visible law enforcement presence in the area for an undetermined period of time.
McCormick County Emergency Management Division (EMD) has confirmed that there is no threat against the school, students, or staff.
There has not been an official press release from the McCormick County Sheriff's Office or Emergency Management Division at the time of this notice, however we have been told that the search is for a male in his 70s who resides in McCormick County.
We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you informed with new information as it becomes available.
Please contact the Residential Life office with any questions you may have at (864) 391-0437.
FBLA members want to wish all of you a Happy New Year in 2026.



SCGSA Board of Trustees Meeting December 12th at 10:30am
Agenda: https://www.delahowe.sc.gov/page/board-of-trustees
Livestream: http://www.youtube.com/@scgovernorsschoolforag

Later in the month she will be receiving a handsome scholarship for her hard work and contributions to the Palmetto State. Check back in for more updates.
A little about Palmetto Pride
Since 2006, more than 797,000 volunteers have partnered with Palmetto Pride to remove over 91 million pounds of litter from South Carolina’s roads and natural areas.




