Orangeburg County School District (OCSD) proudly celebrates the extraordinary accomplishments of the Class of 2026, a graduating class distinguished by academic achievement, scholarship attainment, college and career readiness, athletic excellence, fine arts recognition, military service, leadership, and postsecondary success.
As graduation celebrations conclude across the district, preliminary data reflect a senior class that has collectively earned nearly $48.7 million in scholarship opportunities and secured pathways to colleges, universities, military service, workforce careers, and collegiate athletics across the nation.
Collectively, Orangeburg County School District's Class of 2026 reflects:
- 716 students in the graduating cohort
- 637 graduates, resulting in an 82.0% graduation rate
- 573 students meeting College and Career Readiness benchmarks, resulting in an 80.0% CCR rate
- Nearly $48.7 million in projected scholarship awards
- More than 35 athletic scholarship offers and collegiate athletic opportunities
- Multiple band and fine arts scholarship recipients
- 33 associate degree earners through Orangeburg Advance College (OAC)
- Military enlistments into multiple branches of service
- State-recognized academic honors, fellowships, and leadership awards
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Perhaps what makes the Class of 2026 even more remarkable is the journey they have traveled together.
This graduating class entered first grade during the 2014-2015 school year, when many were learning to write complete sentences, navigate elementary classrooms, and discover their interests and talents. Few could have imagined that this same group of students would later experience one of the most historic periods in modern education.
They navigated school closures during a global pandemic, adapted to virtual learning environments, witnessed rapid technological advancements, including the emergence of artificial intelligence in education, and returned to classrooms with resilience, determination, and a renewed commitment to success.
“They are truly a historic class,” said Superintendent Dr. Shawn D. Foster. “This generation of students has experienced educational challenges and societal changes unlike any before them, yet they continued to persevere, achieve, and succeed. Their story is one of resilience, adaptability, and hope. We are incredibly proud of what they have accomplished and excited about what lies ahead for each of them.”
- Bethune-Bowman Middle/High School achieved an 88.2% graduation rate and a 92.2% College and Career Readiness rate.
- Branchville High School achieved a 100% graduation rate and 100% College and Career Readiness rate.
- Edisto High School achieved an 87.6% graduation rate and an 87.6% College and Career Readiness rate.
- Hunter-Kinard-Tyler High School achieved a 91.4% College and Career Readiness rate.
- Lake Marion High School achieved an 83.0% College and Career Readiness rate.
- North Middle/High School achieved a 97.3% graduation rate and a 97.3% College and Career Readiness rate.
“These outcomes represent far more than numbers,” Dr. Foster said. “Behind every graduate is a story of perseverance, growth, and support. These results reflect the dedication of our students, educators, families, and community partners who remain committed to preparing students for life after high school.”
OCSD high school highlights
Bethune-Bowman Middle/High School
- 49 graduates
- 92.2% College and Career Readiness rate
- More than $29.3 million in scholarship opportunities
- Seven student-athletes earning collegiate athletic opportunities
Branchville High School
- 100% graduation rate
- 100% College and Career Readiness rate
- Every graduate leaving with a clear postsecondary pathway
Edisto High School
- 137 graduates
- $3.5 million in projected scholarship awards
- One athletic scholarship recipient
- One fine arts scholarship recipient earning $16,500 annually
Hunter-Kinard-Tyler High School
- 31 graduates
- 91.4% College and Career Readiness rate
- Athletic scholarship valued at approximately $104,000 over four years
Lake Marion High School & Technology Center
- 137 graduates
- More than $3.8 million in projected scholarship awards
- Fourteen athletic scholarship opportunities
- Band scholarship recipient through the South Carolina State University Marching 101 Band
North Middle/High School
- 36 graduates
- 97.3% graduation rate
- 97.3% College and Career Readiness rate
- 100% of graduates secured college acceptance, military enlistment, workforce placement, or another postsecondary opportunity
- Four associate degree earners through Orangeburg Advance College
- More than $6 million in projected scholarship awards
Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School
- 203 graduates
- More than $5.2 million in scholarships
- Nine student-athletes earning collegiate opportunities
- Two military enlistments
- Two South Carolina Teaching Fellows recipients
- One South Carolina Palmetto Fellows recipient
- Fourteen associate degree earners through Orangeburg Advance College Cohort 2
One of the district's most significant accomplishments continues to be the success of Orangeburg Advance College (OAC), a partnership that allows students to earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree simultaneously.
This year, multiple graduates across the district earned associate degrees before receiving their high school diplomas, entering college with significant academic advantages and reduced educational costs for their families.
Members of the Class of 2026 also secured collegiate opportunities in football, basketball, volleyball, track and field, music, and other disciplines. Graduates also committed to military service in the United States Air Force, United States Navy, and other branches of the armed forces.
Notable athletic signees include students committing to South Carolina State University, Presbyterian College, North Carolina A&T State University, Voorhees University, Erskine College, Morris College, and other institutions.
During graduation ceremonies, Superintendent Dr. Shawn D. Foster presented each graduate with a commemorative Orangeburg County School District Challenge Coin. Challenge coins, rooted in military tradition, are often used to recognize courage, achievement, service, and belonging. Dr. Foster presented the coins as a symbol of perseverance, pride, and the lifelong connection graduates share with Orangeburg County School District.
“Graduates, as you cross this stage, I will present each of you with a special Orangeburg County School District Challenge Coin,” Dr. Foster told graduates. “This coin represents your journey and your determination to reach this milestone. No matter where life takes you, you will always be a part of the Orangeburg County School District family.”
District leaders say the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 reflect OCSD's continued strategic focus on academic rigor, student opportunity, workforce readiness, leadership development, and postsecondary preparation.
“Our students are proving every day that greatness exists throughout Orangeburg County School District,” Dr. Foster said. “Whether through academics, athletics, fine arts, career pathways, military service, or community leadership, this graduating class is leaving a legacy that our entire community can celebrate. We believe in them, we are proud of them, and we look forward to watching them change the world.”
Orangeburg County School District congratulates all graduates and extends sincere appreciation to the teachers, administrators, staff members, families, business partners, faith-based organizations, and community stakeholders whose support helped make the success of the Class of 2026 possible.
