Blue Ridge High School Named 2025-26 Palmetto’s Finest School
Blue Ridge High School was named a 2025-26 Palmetto’s Finest School today, earning one of South Carolina’s highest achievements.
The announcement was made across the state and shared live in the school.
“This honor belongs to our students, staff, and all of RidgeNation,” said Principal Ashley Wardlaw. “Founded in 1954, our school has spent 72 years building toward this moment, and reaching Palmetto’s Finest is a reflection of that legacy. Every day, we show what it means to build strong relationships, create an organization that promotes the achievement of all students, and rally our community behind our school. Today is a celebration of who we are and what we believe in, and I am incredibly proud of the journey, the dedication, and the people who made it possible!”
GCS Superintendent Dr. Burke Royster called the announcement a statewide affirmation of something we already know. “Earning the distinction of Palmetto’s Finest is a remarkable achievement for Blue Ridge High School and a reflection of the strong culture of excellence that defines the entire school community,” he said. “This honor speaks to the dedication of our educators, the leadership of the administration, the support of families, and—most importantly—the hard work and character of the students.”
“There is no doubt this distinguished honor is the result of the collaborative effort of many individuals, our students, teachers, staff, parents, and of course, our beloved principal, Mrs. Ashley Wardlaw,” said GCS Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Carolyn Styles, a graduate of Blue Ridge High School. “This is the result of many individuals who came before us, giving a lifetime of service and paving the way for the success we enjoy today. To them, we also say, ‘Thank you!’”
“What a tremendous accomplishment!” said Eric Williams, Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Schools and Career Centers. “Blue Ridge High School being recognized as Palmetto’s Finest is a testament to the collective dedication of every member of the Ridge Nation family. This honor reflects the shared passion, hard work, and spirit of the entire community.”
In Fall 2025, Blue Ridge High was recognized as the overall highest performing high school in Greenville County for the 2024-25 school year. It also achieved the highest overall growth from Spring 2024 to Spring 2025 in its combined English 2, Algebra 1, Biology and US History scores.
Blue Ridge High experienced the highest growth for graduation rate in the district, the highest growth in the share of its graduating class to meet the AP test success indicator, and the highest growth in the share of its graduating class to successfully complete a Career and Technical Education pathway earning recognized certification.
The South Carolina Association of School Administrators named Mrs. Wardlaw the 2026 Secondary Principal of the Year. She was also selected as the South Carolina Athletic Administrators Association 4A Classification Principal of the Year.
The South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA) presents the Palmetto’s Finest Awards each year to schools that offer the best in innovative, effective educational programs. The Palmetto’s Finest Awards Program is celebrating its 48th year and is one of the most coveted and respected awards among educators. The selection process includes a comprehensive review of a school's program, focusing on the impact the school is making on the lives of students and the community.
