The Crooked Creek Art League, an art group located in Chapin, held their Annual Juried Show which is their largest annual event. According to the website, there were 65 artists participating and 152 artworks displayed.

A total of $5,225 in awards were given to the winners.

“What a beautiful and eclectic showing of talent. These decisions as a judge are never easy and this was no different,” juror Steven S. Walker is quoted saying on the website. “Understand that these competitions are judged subjectively and are not criticism of your talent or effort. Keep creating and keep putting your work out there. You’ve got a great community of artists around you and I wish you all the best.”

According to the art leagues website, volunteers spent hours to help prepare the exhibit with juried show co-chairs Sonya Diimmler and Siara Pindeda at the forefront of the planning.

Lexington 1 staff member gets an upgraded title

At the March 19 Lexington 1 board of trustees meeting, Clark Cooper was named the district's new chief operations and student services officer. Cooper currently serves as the district's executive director of student services and interim executive director of operation, according to a release.

Cooper began teaching as a science teacher and coach in 2002 at Pelion High School. In 2005, he was promoted to assistant administrator, a year later assistance principal and in 2012, became Pelion High’s principal.

In 2017, Cooper was given the title of director of student administration before being promoted to interim chief student services in 2022.

According to the release, Cooper holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology Education from The Citadel and a Master of Arts in Business Education and a Master of Education in Educational Administration and Supervision from the University of South Carolina. He holds certifications for superintendent, secondary principal, secondary supervisor, biology and science.

Lexington 2 receives a new chief academic and innovation officer

David McDonald has been named Lexington 2’s new chief academic and innovation officer, according to a press release.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Lexington Two team,” McDonald is quoted saying in a release. “I have been impressed with the focus on student achievement, high quality learning, and excitement to engage students in their educational journey. I look forward to serving alongside Dr. Hafner as she continues to challenge us all to meet the needs of our students and serve our community.”

McDonald currently serves as assistant principal for school leadership in the state's largest district, Greenville County Schools. The release adds that McDonald’s hire was recommended by Superintendent Brenda Hafner.

McDonald has 23 years of experience in education.

“Dr. McDonald has worked to enhance academic outcomes for students across a variety of schools, communities, and in numerous capacities,” the release states. “All of the schools he has led as principal, as well as those he currently supervises in Greenville County, have posted gains in student achievement and continue to make gains over their pre-pandemic academic performance levels.”

South Carolina Quantum Association announces new initiative, receives state’s largest investment in a tech initiative

The South Carolina Quantum Association announced that their new initiative will champion the advancement of quantum talent and technology throughout the state through $15 million in funding.

“In the coming years, quantum computing and Quantum Information Science (QIS) will contribute greatly to the fields of finance, drug discovery, aerospace design, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and data security - all areas of critical importance to South Carolina’s economy,” the release states.

The state's quantum emphasis lies in amplifying collaboration among academia, entrepreneurs, industry and government.

The initiative is supported by Sen. Dick Harpootlian, among other government officials, leading to the $15 million that was appropriated by the state legislature.

The funding will provide benefits across three areas:

• Education (workforce development, certificate and micro-credential programs)
• Entrepreneurship (settling technologies and supporting entrepreneurs)
• Engagement (convening of experts and demonstration projects)

“SC Quantum is putting South Carolina ahead of the curve,” Harpootlian said. “Columbia, South Carolina could be a major hub of innovation for this technology that is rapidly growing in use across the globe.”