Clarendon Hall to celebrate 60 years with celebration weekend that will begin on Oct. 3

SUMMERTON - Homecoming at Clarendon Hall will be extra special this year, as Clarendon County's longest-serving private school will celebrate its 60th anniversary. The celebration will take place on the weekend of Oct. 3 with many opportunities for alumni, staff and friends to return to campus and reconnect. Clarendon Hall alumna Scherrie Parks Cogdill is chairing the 60th Anniversary Celebration.

Inviting Saints past and present to take part in the festivities, Cogdill stated, "Clarendon Hall is celebrating our 60th year of educating students. While much has changed, one thing remains constant - our unwavering commitment to excellence in education within a Christian environment. This milestone celebration recognizes the people, students, memories, and traditions that make Clarendon Hall so special. Join us as we celebrate our rich history and look forward to a bright future."

The following schedule is planned:

- Homecoming Parade, Friday, Oct. 3, 1:30 p.m. Join our current student body as they celebrate with a homecoming parade on the school grounds featuring "Clarendon Hall - A Look Back on Decades of Success."

- 60th Celebration, Friday, Oct. 3, 6 p.m. Join us in the horseshoe for a BBQ Chicken Dinner and Dessert Reception, followed by the homecoming game. Advance reservations are required for the dinner and reception (the deadline to send the response form is Friday, Sept. 19). This will be a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with old friends and tour the halls you once called home.

Enjoy a hospitality area, live music by Joseph Gonzalez and free admission to the game for all alumni, staff and their families. At 7 p.m., we will recognize current and former faculty and staff, with a special alumni recognition during halftime following the homecoming court presentation.

- Saturday, Oct. 4. We encourage you to contact members of your graduating class and catch up on those much-needed reunions.

- Worship Celebration, Sunday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church. Our guest speakers will be alumni the Revs. Jim Johnson and Chris Wells with special music provided.

Founded in 1965 by Summerton Baptist Church for the purpose of affording a superior elementary and secondary education in a non-denominational Christian environment, Clarendon Hall was originally known as Summerton Baptist Church School. Because of continued growth in student body curriculum, it soon became evident that a separate campus and building would be required.

In 1968, Calvary Baptist Church near Pinewood offered to take over control and continue operation of the school. In 1968, in cooperation with Clarendon Hall School Land Trust, and with a loan secured from the John K. Crosswell Trust of Sumter, Clarendon Hall opened in a new, modern educational building in Summerton, situated on an eight-acre campus easily accessible because of its convenient location.

During the school year 1975-76, the gymnasium, cafeteria and current multi-purpose room were constructed. Calvary Baptist Church continued operation of the school until 2005 when a new nonprofit corporation was formed known as Clarendon Hall School Inc.

A major capital campaign project improved the facilities at Clarendon Hall. A new administrative wing and entrance with a central hallway were added. The horseshoe, a Clarendon Hall staple, was renovated with improved paving and landscaping, and the gym and cafeteria received air conditioning and upgrades. The campus acreage also expanded.

Since 2019, Clarendon Hall has invested over $2 million in campus improvements. A new Wellness Center was constructed, and last year, it received over $20,000 in new state-of-the-art training equipment. The previous lower school building was razed and replaced with a new facility more than three times the previous size, totaling 9,520 square feet. The elementary, middle, high school and administrative wings received upgrades with new flooring and painting. The gym floor was replaced, and funds were invested into new curriculum and advanced technology.

Recently, the Board of Directors and Administration announced a $2.5 million capital campaign and 10-year long-range plan to better serve students in Clarendon, Orangeburg and Sumter counties. Some of the major projects on this list include expanded locker rooms, enlarging the cafeteria, a new music and arts center, a new press box and bleachers for football, a new canteen with restrooms and parking lot improvements to include paving, fencing and lighting. In addition to the list, Clarendon Hall will continue to invest in annual curriculum and technology upgrades.

Head of School Russ Jordan shared, "As we approach the celebration of Clarendon Hall's 60th anniversary, we are reminded of the strong foundation of faith, family and excellence that has guided our school since 1965. For six decades, Clarendon Hall has provided a Christ-centered education that has shaped the lives of hundreds of students and graduates, preparing them not only for academic success, but for a life of purpose and service. This milestone would not be possible without the dedication and support of our graduates, employees, families and friends who have invested in our mission over the years. On behalf of the entire Clarendon Hall family, thank you for helping us continue this tradition. We look forward with great excitement to the next 60 years of educating, inspiring and equipping Saints for generations to come. Go Saints!"

Board Chairman and alumnus Travis McIntosh echoed Cogdill and Jordan's sentiments.

"Since I walked through the doors as a student more than 40 years ago, Clarendon Hall has been part of my life. My parents, my brother and I, and my three sons are all Saints alumni. We are blessed with a dedicated leadership team, faculty and staff, who are committed to our mission and vision. I am grateful to our school's founders who had the faith and courage to launch not only a school to provide Christian academic excellence for our students for 60 years and counting, but a movement that would result in the establishment of SCISA (South Carolina Independent School Association). There are so many names that come to mind such as Mrs. Edna Rowe, our founding head of school who passed away in 2023, and Mrs. Lindy Brunson, who served for 45 years prior to her retirement, to name a couple. It is a great time to be a Saint, and I am looking forward to seeing many friends and mentors at our celebration on Oct. 3."

Those interested in attending the 60th Anniversary Celebration should submit the response form by Sept. 19. Individuals may respond by mail or through the link on the 60th Anniversary Celebration page on the website at ClarendonHall.org. Information is also available on the school's Facebook page.

As one of the most well-established schools in the area, Clarendon Hall has provided superior elementary and secondary education in a non-denominational Christian environment since 1965. Clarendon Hall is an independent co-educational school for kindergarten 3 years old through 12th grade. In addition to being a founding member of the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA), Clarendon Hall is accredited by Cognia. Clarendon Hall is at 1140 S. Dukes St. in Summerton. For more information, contact the school office at (803) 485-3550 or visit the website at www.clarendonhall.org.