Raymond P. Padgett, Principal
Welcome to the 2009-10 school year! Optimism abounds at the high school and we look forward to working with our parents and students to ensure that we continue to provide quality programs and instruction.
I am extremely excited about our new faculty and staff members who will bring enthusiasm, talent, and energy to our academic, athletic, and support programs.
A major highlight of this past year was our designation as a Palmetto Gold and Silver Award recipient for academic performance and success in closing the achievement gap. Additionally, Batesburg-Leesville High School was named as one of 50 out of 200 South Carolina high schools to make Federal No Child Left Behind Standards of Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) for 2008.
The Class of 2009 received $3.75 million in scholarships; in addition, 53% of our seniors qualified for either 2-year or 4-year LIFE scholarships. Five students qualified for the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship. Numerous student awards were won by members of the student body through various competitions with FCCLA, FFA, Science Fair, and JROTC.
In Fine Arts, our Marching Band competed in the State Finals for the sixth consecutive year winning the 2A Championship for the first time in history! Another first for our band program was the implementation of the BLHS Winter Guard and Competitive Percussion Ensemble. Under the outstanding leadership of our band director, Mr. Chaz Paxton, the Winder Guard won the SCBDA Regional A State Championship and the percussion Ensemble brought home a Silver medal Award.
Continuing a proud tradition of excellence in athletics, Eleven varsity sports teams qualified for the state playoffs. Twenty five players made ALL-Region and five were selected to All-State teams in their respective sports.
As we enter year three of implementation of the "High Schools That Work" model, our focus will be on development of an advisor/advisee period so that every student has a faculty mentor. This will further help to achieve our goal of meeting the needs of all our students.
As a comprehensive high school with over twenty clubs and student organizations, BLHS provides many opportunities to be actively involved and to experience all aspects of school life.
With a supportive community, dedicated faculty and staff and enthusiastic student body, I am confident that we will be successful in meeting the challenges ahead and maintaining our reputation as a “Cut Above the Rest.”
Mr. Pat Padgett, Principal
