Future Leaders Attend Palmetto Boys & Girls State
Taking on the roles of voters, candidates, and public servants, 15 Barons attended the Palmetto Boys State and Palmetto Girls State conventions, sponsored by the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary. During the week, students learned firsthand about government and citizenship by participating in mock elections, creating local and state governments, debating issues, and developing leadership skills. Through hands-on government simulations, leadership development, and fun activities, they gained a deeper understanding of civic responsibility while building confidence and forming new friendships. The following members of the Class of ‘27 served as delegates to Palmetto Girls State, held at Presbyterian College: Madelyn Davis, Jenna Green, Cameron Kohl, and Bee Smith. Attending Palmetto Boys State at Anderson University were Abel Ayers, Owen Barkley, Eric Brown, Peyton Gilley, Ryan Griffin, Griffin Jones, John Land, Wyatt Meyers, Maxwell Smith, and Caulder Williamson.
June Issue of the School Magazine, The Accolade
Find out about all the activities and good things happening at Wilson Hall, along with alumni news, with the latest issue of the school's magazine, The Accolade.
Faculty Celebrate Learning Through Capstone Project Showcase
Wilson Hall faculty members recently completed “The Spirit of the Capstone,” a year-end professional growth project centered on Mind–Brain Education (MBE) principles and coordinated by Mrs. Stacey Reaves, Head of Upper School and Director of Professional Development. Designed as both a celebration of teaching and an opportunity for meaningful reflection, the capstone encouraged teachers to intentionally redesign and teach a classroom unit through the lens of brain-researched instructional practices.
Faculty members selected units they were already planning to teach and incorporated purposeful MBE strategies such as hands-on learning, cognitive engagement, reflection, feedback, metacognition, student choice, and effective lesson flow. Teachers then collected classroom artifacts, reflected on student learning, and analyzed how instructional decisions impacted engagement and achievement. The project emphasized authentic teaching practice, encouraging faculty to grow from work already happening in their classrooms rather than creating entirely new material.
Throughout the semester, teachers were provided dedicated professional development time to collaborate, brainstorm, and refine their units. The experience culminated in a celebratory Gallery Walk showcase where faculty members shared lesson materials, student work samples, assessments, reflections, and creative classroom strategies with colleagues. The event highlighted the expertise, innovation, and collaborative spirit of the Wilson Hall faculty while reinforcing the school’s strong commitment to excellence in teaching and learning.
Erter Speaks at Graduation
Returning to campus to inspire the next generation of Barons, Dr. Jay Erter ’95 delivered the Commencement Address for the Class of 2026 graduation ceremony, encouraging graduates to think beyond traditional definitions of success and instead live their lives as an “epic,” marked by purpose, perseverance, and meaningful impact on others. A board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist with Tennessee Oncology in Nashville, Dr. Erter serves on the practice’s Board of Directors and has built an outstanding career in medicine and healthcare leadership. He received a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Davidson College, and he earned his Doctor of Medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Erter completed his residency at Vanderbilt University and fellowship at The Ohio State University, and later received a Master in Management of Health Care from Vanderbilt. A respected leader in his field, Dr. Erter has served as president of the Tennessee Oncology Practice Society, contributed to national oncology committees, published medical research, and frequently lectures on advances in cancer treatment.
Smith Receives John S. Wilson Award
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Congratulations to Banks Smith who received the 55th John S. Wilson Award at graduation, the highest honor presented to a WH student. Given to the senior who best reflects the ideals of WH through academic achievement, leadership, character, and service, the award was presented by Mrs. Helen Wilson Taylor in memory of her father, one of the founders of the school.
Thorne Named Lyceum Scholar
Michael Thorne was selected for Clemson University’s prestigious Lyceum Scholars Program, an elite academic and leadership program that combines coursework in political theory and American politics with faculty mentorship and special enrichment opportunities. A generous scholarship accompanies the honor. The program is highly selective, with only 19 students chosen from more than 1,100 applicants.
Top Scholarship and Elite Medical Program for Judge
Muskaan Judge was selected as a Carolina Scholar at the University of South Carolina, one of the university’s highest honors for in-state students in the South Carolina Honors College. In addition, she was chosen for USC’s highly selective Accelerated Undergraduate to M.D. program, a prestigious seven-year track through the Honors College and USC School of Medicine–Columbia that enrolls fewer than 10 students per cohort.
WATCH D.O.G.S. Make Big Impact
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Wilson Hall recently launched its WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads Of Great Students) program, a nationally recognized initiative designed to bring positive male role models into schools and strengthen community engagement. The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive, with all volunteer slots for the spring pilot program filling quickly. Wearing bright yellow shirts and quickly becoming familiar faces across campus, fathers, grandfathers, uncles, alumni, and other father figures enthusiastically jumped into school life. From reading to preschool students to playing dodgeball in P.E., volunteers interacted with students throughout the campus while also helping with traffic flow, lunches, playground supervision, and classroom support. The program is coordinated by Mr. Chris Stelle, Director of Security.
Judge, Thorne & McLaurin Named Valedictorians & Salutatorian
Muskaan Judge and Mary Ellen Thorne were presented with the Valedictorian Medal for having the highest grade point average in the class, and Austin McLaurin was presented with the Salutatorian Medal for having the second-highest grade point average. To receive this honor, a student must have attended Wilson Hall for the entire sophomore, junior and senior years. The students were presented their medals at the Senior Awards Program.
Five Inducted into Veritas Society
Benson Elmore, Paige Sanders, Ella Sill, Banks Smith & Kyrston Tuders were inducted into the Veritas in Unitate Society, a prestigious honor established by the SC Independent School Assoc. The society recognizes senior students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and a strong commitment to community service.
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Sanders Honored for Service with Watt Award
Demonstrating a strong commitment to scholarship, leadership, and serving others, Paige Sanders received the prestigious Larry K. Watt Award, one of the highest honors presented by the South Carolina Independent School Association, in recognition of her outstanding academic achievements and dedication to community service. Among more than 130 SCISA member schools, Paige is the only recipient from a 4A school to earn this distinction. Paige’s selection highlights her dedication to making a positive impact both in the classroom and in the broader community.
Thorne Earns SCISA’s Highest Scholar-Athlete Honor
Excelling in the classroom, in athletics, and in service to others, Mary Ellen Thorne was awarded the Bill Simpson Award, the highest honor the South Carolina Independent School Association bestows upon a student-athlete. Chosen from nominees representing more than 130 SCISA member schools, Mary Ellen was selected as SCISA’s top female scholar-athlete, an honor awarded to only one female student-athlete each year. She was recognized for her exceptional academic achievement, athletic success, leadership, extracurricular involvement, and community service. Mary Ellen becomes the 14th Wilson Hall student to receive the prestigious award, and Wilson Hall has now produced more Bill Simpson Award recipients than any other school in SCISA, reflecting the school’s strong tradition of developing scholar-athletes of excellence, character, and leadership.
May Issue of School Magazine
Find out about all the activities and good things happening at Wilson Hall, along with alumni news, with the latest issue of the school's magazine, The Accolade.
Celebrating Their Achievements, Anticipating What’s Next
Celebrating the Class of ’26 as their time as Barons begins to draw to a close, these seniors proudly wear the shirts of the colleges they will soon call home. This remarkable class achieved a milestone with every senior accepted to a four-year college, earning an impressive 294 offers of admission from 84 colleges across 24 states. Their hard work and dedication were further recognized through merit-based scholarships for every student, totaling more than $7.9 million in offers. We celebrate not only where they are going, but all they have accomplished and the legacy they leave at WH.
Best of Sumter
For the 19th time, Wilson Hall has been named Best Private School in the Best of Sumter contest, reaffirming the community’s continued confidence in the school. With more than 300,000 votes cast in the annual competition sponsored by The Sumter Item, this recognition reflects the strong support of students, families, alumni, and friends.
Discover Wilson Hall
Want to know more about our school and its programs? Watch this video to learn about what sets Wilson Hall apart from other schools.
School Hosts Blood Drive
Coming together to make a difference, Wilson Hall hosted an American Red Cross blood drive in memory of Sammy Welch, reflecting the school’s commitment to serving the larger community and encouraging students to give back. Organized by Mrs. Allyson Sanders, the school nurse, the event brought students together as volunteers, while those eligible stepped up to donate blood in support of a meaningful cause.
School Magazine April Issue
See all the good news at Wilson Hall by checking out the latest issue of the school's magazine, The Accolade.
Burleson & McIver Recognized by Optimist Club
Recognized for their outstanding character and achievements, Addy Burleson and Benjamin McIver proudly represented Wilson Hall at the Evening Optimist Club of Sumter Youth Appreciation Program. Selected by members of the administration and faculty, these students exemplify excellence in academics, service to their school, and commitment to their community. Mr. Lee Gandy, Head of Middle School, accompanied them for this special recognition, which highlights their dedication, leadership, and positive impact both on campus and beyond.
Junior Honor Marshals
Congratulations to the Class of ‘27 Junior Honor Marshals: Abel Ayres, Torien Byrd, Natalie Hawkey, Livie Pedersen, Claudia Rhodus & Maxwell Smith. These students earned the honor by achieving the top six GPAs in their class, reflecting outstanding academic excellence and dedication. They were recognized during a special ceremony and presented with blue sashes, symbolizing their leadership and achievement. As marshals, they will represent their class at the Senior Awards Program and Graduation, exemplifying the values of Wilson Hall.
School Magazine February Issue
Check out all the great things happening at Wilson Hall in the latest issue of the school's magazine, The Accolade.
McLaurin Honored for Character & Citizenship
Congratulations to Austin McLaurin, Chapter Award Winner for the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Program in Sumter. Selected to represent Sumter at the state-level competition, Austin was chosen from among senior nominees across Sumter County. The DAR Good Citizens Award and Scholarship Contest, established in 1934, recognizes students who exemplify dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities. Nominees submitted a resume and transcript, wrote an essay on patriotism, and completed an interview with DAR representatives. We are proud of Austin for this well-earned recognition and wish him success at the next level.
Singkhonket Featured in Sumter's Next Generation
Liz Singkhonket is the spotlighted student for The Sumter Item's Sumter's Next Generation monthly feature. Follow this link to read more about her many accomplishments and artistic achievements.
Fox Honored by American Heart Association
Recognized for her quick thinking and courage, Lexi Fox was honored by the American Heart Association for her life-saving act of administering CPR to a stranger. She learned CPR in the Health & Human Development class taught by Mrs. Allyson Sanders, showing how classroom learning can make a real-world difference. The award was presented during a special kickoff luncheon for Heart Month that celebrated stories of survival and the importance of CPR training.
Singkhonket Wins First Place in State Art Show
Wilson Hall is proud to celebrate student creativity and talent, highlighted by Liz Singkhonket’s first-place finish in ceramics at the S.C. Independent School Assoc. State Art Fair and a total of 13 ribbons earned across multiple visual art categories. With 24 performing and visual arts classes offered, the arts remain a vital part of the curriculum, giving students meaningful opportunities to explore, create, and develop their unique talents as part of a well-rounded education. The art teachers are Mrs. Tara Breslin-Schumacher, Mrs. Rachel Brown, and Mrs. Renee Norton.
January Issue of the School Magazine, The Accolade
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Read about all the good things happening at Wilson Hall in the January issue of the school's magazine, The Accolade.
Mind, Brain & Learning: Faculty Professional Development
The faculty kicked off the semester with an informative and engaging professional development session focused on mind-brain researched educational strategies grounded in neuroscience and brain research on how students learn. Led by guest presenters Tia Henteleff and Glenn Whitman from the Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning in Potomac, Maryland, the session blended research-based insights with collaborative discussion, offering practical strategies faculty can apply directly in the classroom. Professional development is coordinated by Mrs. Stacey Reaves.
AP Honor Roll Platinum School
The College Board recognized Wilson Hall as a 2025 AP Honor Roll Platinum school, the highest recognition, for developing an Advanced Placement (AP) program that creates a college-going culture and gives students opportunities to earn college credit and to maximize their college outcomes. Only six percent of the eligible schools in the nation receive this award, and the recognition reflects Wilson Hall’s mission of providing a rigorous college preparatory education.
The Class of 2026 exceeded the criteria to receive this high distinction: 87% of the graduating cohort have already taken at least one AP exam during high school (80% required), 69% of the graduating cohort scored a 3 or higher on at least one AP exam during high school (50% required), and 44% of the graduating cohort took five or more AP exams during high school with at least one being taken in the 9th or 10th grade (15% required).
The AP is a global academic program in more than 100 countries. AP Exams, which students take after completing challenging college-level courses taught at their high school, are graded on a five-point scale (5 being the highest). Most of the nation’s colleges and universities award credit, advanced placement, or both for grades of 3 or higher. To qualify to teach an AP course, teachers must attend an intensive AP workshop held during the summer. Wilson Hall offers 22 AP courses, more than any school in Sumter, Clarendon and Lee counties.
In May, 99 Wilson Hall students became eligible to receive college credit by earning a score of 3 or higher on at least one exam. Wilson Hall's average passing rate is 81%, above the average passing rate of 67%. There were a record 123 Wilson Hall students who took a total of 282 exams. Mrs. Susan Barfield, Director of Academics, coordinates the school’s AP program.
Lower School Shares Christmas Care with Croswell Home
The Lower School strengthened its partnership with the Croswell Home for Children this year by rallying together to support all 22 children in the home. With donations collected by each class, students helped provide new bedding, laundry hampers, towels, hygiene items, and Walmart gift cards to meet essential needs. The project was coordinated by the PTO, whose efforts helped ensure a meaningful and generous Christmas outreach.
Guiding with Purpose: Dr. Lowder Leads Second Session of Parent Series
We welcomed Dr. Milt Lowder ’90 for the second installment of our three-part Parent Series, offering families an evening of encouragement, practical wisdom, and faith-filled guidance. Dr. Lowder, a sport psychologist for the Clemson Athletic Department and a licensed counseling psychologist with AMPLOS, brings decades of experience helping individuals, teams, and organizations maximize their potential. His work is grounded in a practice committed to developing healthy mindsets, strong relationships, and intentional leadership.
The Parent Series invites families to embrace the calling to be the parent God intended, and Dr. Lowder shared Biblically grounded, scientifically supported strategies to help parents lead with clarity and confidence. He focused on “change the lens” using Romans 12:2 as a scriptural basis to shepherd children into who God intended them to be. The final session of the Parent Series will take place on February 2nd, and we look forward to welcoming families back for another meaningful evening.
Chess 4th in State; Sets Participation Record
Placing fourth out of 30 teams, the Chess Club proudly represented Wilson Hall at the S.C. Independent School Assoc. State Chess Tournament, also setting a SCISA record by bringing the largest team ever with 30 competitors. One of the most popular clubs on campus, the group is led by Mr. David Tuders and reflects Wilson Hall’s commitment to offering diverse activities where students can challenge themselves, build camaraderie, and pursue their interests beyond the classroom.
Professional Development: AI in Teaching & Learning
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Each Wednesday, teachers gather for Professional Development Deep Dives. One group is exploring how artificial intelligence can streamline planning, boost productivity, and create more engaging lessons, all while learning to use it responsibly and ethically. Innovation in action: teachers are testing how AI can support lesson planning, productivity, and resource creation, making more space for what matters most: students. Professional development is coordinated by Mrs. Stacey Reaves, Assistant Head of School for Teaching and Learning.
Wilson Hall Earns Top State Rankings
Rising to the top in statewide recognition, Wilson Hall was named by Niche as the #10 Best College Prep Private High School in South Carolina in its 2026 rankings. The school also placed #14 Best High School for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), public or private, and claimed the title of #1 Best High Schools for Athletes in Sumter County. These distinctions are based on a rigorous analysis of data from the U.S. Department of Education, Niche users, and schools, along with student and parent reviews.
Russell Earns National Merit Commended Student Honor
We are proud to celebrate Olivia Russell ‘26 for being named a Commended Student in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program! Out of more than 1.3 million students nationwide who entered by taking the PSAT, Olivia placed among the top three percent. This impressive accomplishment highlights her hard work and academic talent. She joins about 34,000 students across the country being recognized for their outstanding potential, and this honor is a wonderful reflection of her dedication and achievement.
Palmetto Association of Independent Schools
Wilson Hall is now a proud member of the Palmetto Association of Independent Schools (PAIS). Joining PAIS allows us to further strengthen our commitment to excellence in academics and professional growth across the network of excellent independent schools in South Carolina. This new partnership is a wonderful complement to our longstanding membership with the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA), which continues to enrich our students’ experience through athletics and student activities. Together, these affiliations reflect our dedication to providing Wilson Hall students with the very best opportunities, both in and out of the classroom.
58 Advanced Placement Scholars
Because of their exceptional achievement on the college-level Advanced Placement (AP) Exams, 58 students received recognition from the College Board. About 20 percent of students nationwide who took AP Exams performed at a sufficiently high level to earn an AP Scholar Award. In May, 99 Wilson Hall students became eligible to receive college credit by earning a score of 3 or higher on at least one exam. Wilson Hall's average passing rate is 81%, above the average passing rate of 67%. There was a record 123 Wilson Hall students who took a total of 282 exams.
The AP is a global academic program in more than 100 countries. AP Exams, which students take after completing challenging college-level courses taught at their high school, are graded on a five-point scale (5 being the highest). Most of the nation’s colleges and universities award credit, advanced placement, or both for grades of 3 or higher. To qualify to teach an AP course, teachers must attend an intensive AP workshop held during the summer. Wilson Hall offers 22 AP courses, more than any school in Sumter, Clarendon, Kershaw and Lee counties.
The following members of the Class of ‘25 received the AP Scholar with Distinction Award, the highest offered, for earning an average grade of at least 3.5 on all exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on five or more exams: Sarah-Jane Bates, Andy Cseh, Frances Mac Elmore, Josie Jackson, Shawn Michael Matthews, Jane McAdams, Diya Patel, Sara Hayes Ridgeway, Andrew Segars, Sara Helen Simmons and Camryn Wilmes. The following members of the Class of ‘26 received this honor: Cliff Bath, Austin McLaurin, Logan Pauly, Olivia Russell, Banks Smith, Mary Ellen Thorne and Sander Warrick. Andrew Brunk ‘27 also received this recognition.
Receiving the AP Scholar with Honor Award for earning an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on four or more exams were the following students: (Class of ‘25) Annabelle Branham; (Class of ‘26) Muskaan Judge, Sophie MIller, Ella Sill, Michael Thorne, Stirling Tindal and Bowen Zitzke; (Class of ‘27) Abel Ayres.
The following students received the AP Scholar Award for earning a 3 or higher on at least three exams: (Class of ‘25) Abby Bradley, Lottie Bynum, Olivia Cogswell, Anna Kate Coker, Thomas Creech, Emma Howle, Molly Jones, Gavin Lamb, Michael Lauzon, Emily Mason, Alex Mut, Akshar Patel, Sydney Rinkleff, Logan Schumacher, Sophie Sweatman, Kadence Tuders and Michael Warrick; (Class of ‘26) Ella Dixon, Edna Lee Harris, Andrew Howle, Sam Leard, Ben Rabon, Joey Robertson, Carlisle Segars, McClain Segars and Liz Singkhonket: (Class of ‘27) Torien Byrd, Jose Diaz and Caroline Moorman.
Wilson Hall offers 22 AP classes, more than any school in the region, in the following academic disciplines: Arts, English, History & Social Sciences, Math & Computer Science, Sciences, and World Languages & Cultures. The classes are taught at the college-level by specially trained faculty. Mrs. Susan Barfield, Director of Academics, coordinates the AP program.
Professional Development: Joy & Rigor in Action
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Every Wednesday, while students enjoy a delayed start, our teachers gather for Professional Development Deep Dives. These collaborative sessions give educators dedicated time to learn, plan, and grow together strengthening both the joy and the rigor in our classrooms. This week, teachers explored how to connect emotion and cognition, structure lessons using the primacy–recency effect, and continue developing as experts in their field. Behind every hour of late start is a team of educators working with passion and purpose. Professional development is coordinated by Mrs. Stacey Reaves, Assistant Head of School for Teaching and Learning.
Fourteen AP Capstone Diploma Recipients
Because of their exceptional performance in the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) Program, 14 students received the AP Capstone Diploma. Wilson Hall is the only school in the area approved by the College Board to offer the AP Capstone Diploma Program, which is based on two, yearlong AP courses: AP Seminar and AP Research. The AP Capstone Diploma is granted to students who earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research and on four additional AP Exams of their choosing.
We congratulate the following students for achieving this honor: (Class of ‘25) Sarah-Jane Bates, Abby Bradley, Annabelle Branham, Andy Cseh, Frances Mac Elmore, Sara Hayes Ridgeway and Camryn Wilmes; (Class of ‘26) Austin McLaurin, Logan Pauly, Olivia Russell, Banks Smith, Mary Ellen Thorne, Sanders Warrick and Bowen Zitzke.
Six students received the AP Seminar and Research Certificate, which is granted to students who earn scores of 3 or higher in both AP Research and AP Seminar: Ella Dixon, Andrew Howle, Muskaan Judge, Sophie Miller, McClain Segars and Michael Thorne, Class of ‘26.
Rather than teaching subject-specific content, the AP Research and Seminar courses develop students’ skills in research, analysis, evidence-based arguments, collaboration, writing, and presenting. Both courses guide students through completing a research project, writing an academic paper, and making a presentation on their project. Students who complete the two-year program can earn one of two different AP Capstone awards (diploma or certificate) which are valued by colleges across the United States and around the world.
The College Board developed the AP Capstone Diploma program at the request of higher education professionals who saw a need for a systematic way for high school students to begin mastering these skills before college. Only 38 schools in South Carolina offer the program and Wilson Hall is one of only five private schools in the state to offer it.