News and Announcements

Wilson Hall Voted Best of Sumter

For the 18th time, Wilson Hall has been named Best Private School in the Best of Sumter contest, reaffirming the community’s continued confidence in the school’s excellence. With more than 305,000 votes cast in the annual competition sponsored by The Sumter Item, this honor reflects the strong support of students, families, alumni, and friends. In addition, congratulations go to Wilson Hall’s own Coach Kurt Wilson, who was named Best Life Coach, a well-deserved recognition of his positive impact both on and off the field.

Campus Expansion News

Big news! Wilson Hall is expanding with the acquisition of new property—exciting growth ahead! Please watch the video for more information: Video

WH Honored as Purple Star School During Month of the Military Child

WH proudly celebrated its official designation as a Purple Star School during the Month of the Military Child, a national observance each April that honors the strength and resilience of military-connected children. This prestigious recognition highlights the school’s ongoing commitment to supporting the unique needs of students whose families serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The designation ceremony took place on April 23 in Founders Chapel, where students, faculty, and military families gathered for a meaningful celebration. Mr. Brent Kaneft, Head of School, welcomed the guests before Middle School Principal Mr. Lee Gandy opened the program with a prayer. Fifth-grader Lexi Bowen led the Pledge of Allegiance, and senior Patrick Norton shared heartfelt remarks about life as a military student. Dr. Kim Priester of the South Carolina Department of Education formally presented the Purple Star designation, while Sumter Mayor David Merchant issued a proclamation honoring the school’s support of military families. 

The event, coordinated by School Counselor and program leader Mrs. Day Caughman, also coincided with Purple Up! Day, with students and faculty wearing purple to show their support for the over 20% of WHstudents with military ties. Mrs. Jennie Bowen, the Military Family Representative for the PTO, provided festive balloon arches and decorations throughout campus, and a reception followed the ceremony.

By earning the Purple Star status, WH joins a distinguished group of schools recognized by state education departments and the Military Child Education Coalition for creating a welcoming and supportive environment. This designation reflects a comprehensive approach that includes staff training, accessible resources, a designated liaison, dedicated support systems for transitioning families, and community events that celebrate military service. With this honor, WH reaffirms its deep respect for military families and its mission to ensure every student feels seen, supported, and valued.
 

Simmons Named National Merit Scholar

Sara Helen Simmons has been named a National Merit Scholar, the only student in Sumter County to receive this prestigious honor and one of just 7,140 students selected nationwide. The National Merit Scholarship Program is one of the most esteemed academic competitions in the United States, recognizing students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and potential for success in college. Selection is based on top PSAT/NMSQT scores, academic excellence, extracurricular involvement, leadership, and a personal essay. Sara Helen’s achievement not only reflects her dedication and intellect, but also highlights the strength of Wilson Hall’s rigorous college preparatory curriculum, which continues to prepare students to excel at the highest national levels.

Honor Marshals Recognized

The following members of the Class of 2026—Muskaan Judge, Austin McLaurin, Olivia Russell, Banks Smith, Mary Ellen Thorne, and Bowen Zitzke—have been named Junior Honor Marshals, a distinction awarded to students who have attended Wilson Hall since the tenth grade and hold the highest grade point averages in their class. Announced by Mr. Brent Kaneft ‘00, Head of School, and presented with blue sashes by Mrs. Susan Barfield, Academic Dean, during a special ceremony for students, faculty, and parents, these exceptional scholars exemplify the academic excellence for which Wilson Hall is known. As members of one of the most academically competitive classes in recent years, they have distinguished themselves not only through their outstanding academic achievements but also by balancing numerous leadership roles, extracurricular activities, and service commitments. Their dedication, intellect, and work ethic are a testament to the rigorous and enriching educational environment Wilson Hall provides. The Junior Honor Marshals will proudly represent their class during the Senior Awards Program and Graduation Ceremony.

Celebrating Mrs. Wilson

Please follow the link to the video card celebrating the life of Mrs. Wilson, one of our school's greatest supporters throughout its history. Thank you, Mrs. Wilson, for all that you did for our school. Your legacy endures.

Video Card

Jackson Wins Good Citizen Award

Josie Jackson is the Chapter Award Winner for the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Program in Sumter. She will represent Sumter in the state-level competition. The DAR Good Citizens Award and Scholarship Contest, created in 1934, recognizes and rewards individuals who possess the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities. Each school in Sumter County was invited to nominate one senior for the competition. The nominees submitted a resume and academic transcript, wrote an essay on patriotism, and participated in an interview with members of the DAR.
 

Curriculum Information Night

Rising 9th through 12th grade students and their parents attended the Curriculum Information Night coordinated by Mrs. Susan Barfield, Director of Academics. As the 2025-26 course scheduling process approaches, the event provided a valuable opportunity to explore the curriculum and Advanced Placement (AP) course offerings in an engaging setting. After a brief overview, families met with AP teachers and department chairs, asked questions, and gathered key information about course expectations and academic planning. Whether considering one of the 22 AP courses for the first time or building on their academic journey, attendees left with insights to guide their course selections for the upcoming school year.

School Receives College Board Diversity Award

Wilson Hall has earned the College Board's Advanced Placement Computer Science Female Diversity Award for expanding young women’s access to AP Computer Science Principles. This award acknowledges schools for their work toward equal gender representation during the 2023-24 school year. The honor recognizes the outstanding work the school is doing to engage more female students in computer science; Wilson Hall is one of 23 schools in South Carolina and the only school in Sumter County to receive this recognition. Schools receiving the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award have achieved either 50% or higher female exam taker representation in one of or both AP computer science courses, or a percentage of female computer science exam takers that meets or exceeds that of the school’s female population. In addition to the AP Computer Science Principles class, Wilson Hall offers AP Computer Science (JAVA Programming) and 12 other technology classes to high school students. 
 

College Admissions Panel

Over 120 juniors and their parents gathered for the college admissions meeting hosted by Mrs. Sarah Smith, our College Counselor. Representatives from Clemson, Furman, Presbyterian, USC, and Wofford shared valuable insights into the admissions process and answered questions to help students plan their next steps.

Bynum Featured in Sumter's Next Generation

Senior Lottie Bynum was featured as October's selection for Sumter's Next Generation in The Sumter Item. Please click on the link to read the article: Lottie Bynum

Wilson Hall Named AP Honor Roll Platinum School

The College Board recognized Wilson Hall as a 2024 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 2025 exceeded the criteria to receive this high distinction: 88% of the graduating cohort took at least one AP exam during high school (80% required), 73% of the graduating cohort scored a 3 or higher on at least one AP exam during high school (50% required), and 34% 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, 95 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 86%, above the global average passing rate of 60%. There were 111 Wilson Hall students who took a total of 255 exams. Mrs. Susan Barfield, Director of Academics, coordinates the school’s AP program.

School Named to Top 10 List

The website Niche included Wilson Hall among the top 10 schools in South Carolina for its 2025 rankings, listing the school as the #8 Best College Prep Private High School in the state. It was also named #14 Best High School for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, public or private, in the state. Wilson Hall is the only school in Sumter, Clarendon and Lee counties, public or private, to earn these recognitions. Additionally, Wilson Hall was ranked #1 Best High Schools for Athletes in Sumter County. The ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and reviews from students and parents. Ranking factors include SAT/ACT scores, the quality of colleges that students consider, student-teacher ratio, private school ratings, and more. Data is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education, Niche users, and schools directly.
 

Jackson Named Merit Commended Student

Josie Jackson ‘25 was recognized in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program as a Commended Student. Commended Students placed among the top three percent of more than 1.3 million students who entered the 2025 competition by taking the 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The program recognizes high school seniors who have excelled in academics and have the potential to succeed in rigorous college studies, and about 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. 
 

Matthews & McAdams Elected Mr. & Miss Wilson Hall

Shawn Michael Matthews & Jane McAdams received the honor of Mr. and Miss Wilson Hall. Each fall, the upper school faculty nominates students for Mr. and Miss Wilson Hall and the Mr. and Miss for grades 9-11. When nominating a student, the faculty considers the following factors: above average academics, participation in athletics and/or extracurricular activities, outstanding citizenship, and excellent character.
           
From the list of faculty nominated candidates, students in grades 9-12 voted for their own class. While voting, students consider the same criteria the faculty considers when choosing the most well-rounded representatives of their class and of Wilson Hall. The following underclassmen received this honor: Junior - Andrew Howle and Charli Bonser, Sophomore - Abel Ayres and Livie Pedersen, and Freshman - Wilkes Burnette and Harper Burke. 

Matthews & Simmons Most Likely to Succeed

Congratulations to Shawn Michael Matthews & Sara Helen Simmons who were selected by their classmates for the title of Most Likely to Succeed, as well as to the other superlative seniors: Most Athletic - Owen Meyers & Molly Jones, Most Dependable - Thomas Creech & Annabelle Branham, Friendliest - Parker McLeod & Emma Howle, Most Intelligent - Andrew Segars & Josie Jackson, Most School Spirit - Michael Lauzon & Camryn Wilmes, Most Talented - Logan Schumacher & Sophie Sweatman, and Wittiest - Knox Buxton & Lucy Buxton.

Military Appreciation Night

Military Appreciation Night was August 30 at the varsity football game; military families received free admission. To commemorate the night, 30 American flags, on loan from Sumter Museum, were placed around Spencer Field. Red, white & blue balloon arches decorated the entryway, and fans dressed to the spirit theme of U.S.A. The Shaw Air Force Base Honor Guard presented the colors, Chaplain Jacqueline Peppin offered the invocation, Senior Airman Savannah Emile sang the National Anthem, and Col. (Ret.) Brian Jackson did the coin toss. Approximately 19% of Wilson Hall's student body and faculty are associated with the military. 

Palmetto Boys/Girls State Conventions

The following members of the Class of ‘25 were chosen by the American Legion or American Legion Auxiliary to attend the Palmetto Boys State and Girls State Conventions: Thomas Creech, Frances Mac Elmore, Josie Jackson, Molly Jones, Shawn Michael Matthews, Owen Meyers, Parker McLeod, Logan Schumacher and Andrew Segars. 

Students, who submitted an application and were interviewed by the organizations, were selected based on the following criteria: demonstrated interest in government, leadership, character, scholarship, and loyalty and service to their schools.

The boys convention was held at Anderson University and the girls at Presbyterian College from June 8-14. The conventions were unique ways for rising high school seniors to learn about the American system of government and politics by participating in a mock governmental system. Delegates also had the opportunity to explore potential career paths through the different programs including the Performing Arts School, Criminal Justice Academy, and Law School.

AP Capstone Diploma Candidates

Josie Jackson, Jane McAdams, Diya Patel & Sara Helen Simmons are Advanced Placement (AP) Capstone Diploma Candidates. WH 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.
 

47 Advanced Placement Scholars

Because of their exceptional achievement on the college-level Advanced Placement (AP) Exams, 47 students received recognition from the College Board. About 20 percent of the 2.2 million students worldwide who took AP Exams performed at a sufficiently high level to earn an AP Scholar Award. In May, 95 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 86%, above the global average passing rate of 60%. There were 111 Wilson Hall students who took a total of 255 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, Josie Jackson, Jane McAdams, Diya Patel, Sara Hayes Ridgeway and Sara Helen Simmons. Also receiving this honor were the following members of the Class of ‘24: Grayson Alexander, Jacob Bostic, Helen Fitzpatrick, Jennings Frerichs, Mary Margaret Griffin, Bella Grudzinski, Jeremiah Jones, Rhayne Owens and Mary Parish Williams.  

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 ‘26) Austin McLaurin, Olivia Russell and Banks Smith; (Class of ‘25) Abby Bradley, Annabelle Branham, Shawn Michael Matthews and Andrew Segars; and (Class of ‘24) Elizabeth Busch and Bennett Wilson.

The following students received the AP Scholar Award for earning a 3 or higher on at least three exams: (Class of ‘26) Andy Cseh, Andrew Howle, Logan Pauly, McClain Segars, Mary Ellen Thorne, Sanders Warrick and Bown Zitzke; (Class of ‘25) Thomas Creech, Frances Mac Elmore, Gavin Lamb, Akshar Patel and Camryn Wilmes; and (Class of ‘24) Dillon Bartlett, Olivia Beasley, Slade Custer, Landon Gilley, Dylan Jones, Clark Kinney, Davis Lee, Ben Reynolds, Maury Shuler, Victoria Singleton and Addison Thornton. 

New School Year Begins

The excitement of students and staff alike was more than evident as the school's 58th year opened with 831 students, including 149 new students. Students in grades 1-12 posed for photos before being greeted by their teachers and friends, both old and new.

Lee Featured in Sumter's Next Generation

Davis Lee '24 was featured as June's selection for Sumter's Next Generation in The Sumter Item. Please click on the link to read the article: Davis Lee

Class of '24 Graduates

The 59 members of the Class of 2024, the 55th graduating class, joined the 3,032 people who count themselves among the ranks of Wilson Hall’s alumni. Merit-based scholarships, valued at over $4.9 million, were awarded to 95% of the graduates. Every member of the class gained acceptance to a four-year college or university, and members of the class were offered admission to 46 schools in 12 states. The average SAT score for the top 25% of the class is 1339, with a high score of 1480, and the average score for the entire class, with all seniors taking the SAT, is 1168. Eligible to receive college credit, 96% of the graduates took at least one Advanced Placement course with the average student taking at least four; there are eight AP Scholars and six AP Capstone Diploma candidates among the graduates. Members of the Class of ‘24 participated on numerous state champion athletic teams and won individual state athletic titles, and also won state art and music competitions. Members of the Class of ’24 volunteered over 2,900 hours of community service during the school year, and a student won the state’s top award for service-learning. 

Jarecki Receives Wilson Award

Sullivan Jarecki was presented with the John S. Wilson Award at the graduation ceremony. This prestigious award, which is the highest honor a WH student may receive, is presented to the graduating senior who possesses the ideal qualities of a Wilson Hall student. The recipient is selected based on his or her academic achievement, leadership abilities, character, and contributions to the school, community, and church. Given in memory of her father, who was one of the founders of the school, Mrs. Helen Wilson Taylor '76 presented the award during the graduation ceremony.

Lee & Owens Crowned King & Queen of the Iris

Davis Lee and Rhayne Owens were crowned the King & Queen of the Iris at the opening of the 82nd Sumter Iris Festival at Swan Lake-Iris Gardens. The King & Queen of the Iris competition is a showcase for outstanding seniors from Sumter County which honors them as members of the Iris Festival Court. A panel of community leaders chose Davis & Rhayne based on a resume detailing their academic recognition, extracurricular activities, and community & church involvement, as well as an interview. They each received a $500 scholarship along with their crowns.

Jones Presented State Service Award

Jeremiah Jones ‘24 received the Larry K. Watt Award presented by the S.C. Independent School Association to recognize the academic service-based achievements of seniors. It is one of the highest awards presented by the association, which has over 120 member schools, and Peyton is the only student who attends a 4A school in SCISA to receive the award. To be eligible for the award, the student must be nominated by the school and recommended by the head of school. The nominee must have a minimum of 50 hours of documented community service after June of the student’s junior year and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Once nominated, the student must submit a 500-word essay outlining the importance of community service as well as three letters of recommendation from school or community leaders who have personally witnessed their service initiatives.

Five Tapped for Veritas in Unitate Society

Elliott Arscott, Mary Claire Bearak, Jeremiah Jones, Eric Norton and Marybeth Van Patten, Class of ‘24, were inducted into the Veritas in Unitate Society during the Senior Awards Program. The society is a student award program developed to recognize academic service-based achievement of senior students throughout the S.C. Independent School Assoc. To be considered, students must be nominated by their school and have a minimum of 50 hours of documented community service between June of the student’s junior year and October of the student’s senior year. Nominees, who must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0, are required to write an essay outlining the importance of community service, provide three letters of recommendation from school or community leaders who have witnessed their service activities, and receive a recommendation from their head of school.  

Congratulations Class of 2024!

Bearak & Blankenship Receive Music Service Award

Mary Claire Bearak ‘24 and Ann Weathers Blankenship ‘24 were presented the 2024 Service Award by The Sounds of Grace at the Senior Awards Program. The award, which is accompanied by a scholarship, is presented to an individual or individuals who share their gift of music with the community. The Sounds of Grace is a non-profit organization whose mission is to bring peace and healing through music in hospital and healthcare facilities and special needs classrooms. 

Donnald Receives Act of Kindness Award

Eddie Donnald ‘24 received the Jim Morris Act of Kindness Award from the Sumter American Legion Fair. The award is presented to a high school student in Sumter County who has completed a minimum of 50 hours of community service for the fair and displays an outstanding work ethic. Eddie was presented the award with an accompanying scholarship check by Mr. Shawn Custer of Sumter Post 15 American Legion at the Senior Awards Program.

100% of Class of '24 Accepted to College

The 59 students in the Class of ‘24 received acceptances to 46 unique colleges and universities in 12 states; 100% of the students gained admission to a four-year college or university. With a total of over $4.4 million, 95% of the seniors received a merit-based scholarship. 

National Decision Day

To celebrate National Decision Day, the Class of ‘24 “Chalked Their Choice” on the walkway in front of the upper school on May 1st. While wearing t-shirts reflecting their choices, seniors enjoyed donuts, music and socializing as they used sidewalk chalk for their creations. To commemorate the completion of the college admissions process for seniors, the pennants of each college, with the names of students accepted to the college, will be hung in the upper school hallway by Mrs. Sarah Smith, College Counselor.

Wilson Hall Voted Best Private School

Wilson Hall was voted Best Private School for the 17th time by the readers of The Sumter Item.