“Do what is best for kids” was Lucy Beckham’s motto. It has also been Lucy Beckham High School’s (LBHS) mantra as its faculty and staff opened Charleston County School District’s newest high school in Fall of 2020. The 22-23 school year marked a major milestone in our growth as we added our first senior class that graduated on June 1, 2023. It was the culmination of a vision set forth many years ago by our namesake but brought to fruition by our students, staff, families, and community.
The mission of LBHS is to live by the “I’s” of the Bengal Tiger--Intelligence, Integrity, and Involvement. The goal is to enable all students to become well-rounded, self-aware adults who are truly college, career, and life ready. In our third year, LBHS has continued to earn notable achievements and set a high academic bar. A large number of students have enrolled in Honors and Advanced Placement coursework, and strong performance on End of Course and PLTW exams was evident.
While LBHS has high expectations for student achievement, it also nurtures students by ensuring they enjoy school. One such example is CREW (Creating Relationships and Exploring Within), a student advisory period; based on research that connects a sense of belonging and community with higher achievement, CREW sets aside time for students to build relationships, strengthen literacy, serve their community (ECCO, Angel Tree, pet rescues, etc.), prepare for college and post-secondary careers, and even explore fitness opportunities. These moments together, along with independent learning time and extended lunch period, have proven to foster a positive school and community culture which will be built upon for years to come.
With the first full student body of 9-12th graders, LBHS was able to capture its 1st state championship in Men’s Volleyball as well as its 2nd state championship in Men’s Lacrosse and to earn multiple seats in Regional and All State band, orchestra, and chorus. LBHS fielded a myriad of sports teams and earned multiple superior and excellent ratings in band, orchestra, and chorus. Students competed in regional, national, and international competitions such as the International SeaPerch Challenge and our Coast Guard JROTC National Color Guard competition.
As important as content knowledge and achievement are for students, everything they do should be embedded with 21st century skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and collaboration. These skills were modeled with students throughout the year; they learned to work together, problem solve, and adjust to a myriad of situations while maintaining strong performances in all areas.
The success students and LBHS achieved would not have been possible without the consistent support from families and the community, including the Town of Mt. Pleasant, East Cooper Medical Center, and The One Beckham Foundation. They provided athletic and arts support and made funding available to remove barriers and make certain all students, staff, and families were able to experience the benefits!
Doing what is best for kids, we are one team, one family, one Beckham!
Anna Dassing, Principal
Margo Quigley and Alex McCarrell, SIC Chairs
