From its founding in 1988 by a visionary Act of the General Assembly, GSSM has served as a portal through which talented students from throughout South Carolina have embarked on a lifetime of exploration, discovery and growth. The mission of this unique school emphasizes developing the scientifically astute and ethically aware leaders needed for our expanding knowledge-based economy. Recognized as a leader in the state, GSSM is now concentrating on national prominence with a focus on the global nature of modern science and industry. From the outset, GSSM students and alumni have established a reputation for excellence and accomplishment. GSSM residential students continue to perform at the highest levels, reflecting the individual talents of these remarkable young people as well as the unique opportunities offered by GSSM. The significant achievements of the students in residence in Hartsville (1381 average SAT, 29 composite ACT scores; 18 National Merit Finalists; $19.5 million in scholarship offers to 133 seniors) are crowned by their completion of a mentored individual research project at a research university or industrial laboratory in the US or internationally. Appropriate emphasis on extracurricular activities for all students continues to build strong school spirit, with 70% of students participating in varsity athletics. Overall, our athletic program ranks in the top 40 in the state for all schools. Additionally, students lead and direct more than 50 clubs and societies, involving 97% of students. Students serve their community and school by volunteering 83 hours each year, supplementing instruction on ethics and character development. Notably, our students mentor members of the Hartsville Boys and Girls Club in math and participate in our ENGAGE and SPARK after school programs serving as instructors and tutors. Perhaps best of all, students report great satisfaction from forming "friendships for life” at GSSM. As expected, this combination of academic excellence, community commitment, character and hard work results in GSSM graduates being admitted to a wide rang of colleges and universities in the US and abroad. While we encourage graduates of both our residential and virtual programs to remain in state, and many do, this year's graduates were accepted to over 175 institutions including Bryn Mawr College, Carnegie Mellon University, Columbia University, Emory University, Georgetown University, Harvey Mudd College, Johns Hopkins University, Olin College of Engineering, Reed College, Rice University, Spellman College, UCLA, University of Pennsylvania, Washington University in St. Louis and many other excellent schools. We have grown to maximum capacity residentially, while continuing to expand our Virtual and Outreach Programs. During the 2022-2023 school year, GSSM served a total of 87 students in our dual enrollment Accelerate virtual engineering program and a total of 60 students participated in our synchronous virtual math classes. Our statewide Outreach Center delivered STEM educational experiences to more than 6000 students and teachers in grades three through ten. These learning opportunities included virtual and in-person programs offered during the school year and summer. During the summer of 2023, we provided four STEM programs across the state to students in grades 6-10. These programs included a residential camp, a virtual camp, and two different day camp experiences. We enrolled over 900 students in these summer experiences. Additionally, STEM Foundations, GSSM's STEM-focused online diploma program for 11th and 12th graders, graduated its first class of 12 seniors. This pilot program is for student who desire a virtual high school program with synchronous college-level classes taught by members of our own faculty.
Danny S. Dorsel
President
