(L- r) Dr. Steve Hefner, Richland District Two Superintendent; Nancy Gregory, Blythewood Middle School Principal; Greta Carter, Blythewood Middle School CES; Rob Baggett, Blythewood Middle School Guidance Counselor; and Dr. Arlene Bakutes, Richland District Two Grants Coordinator. Blythewood Middle School was honored at an awards luncheon on March 18 as a 2009 South Carolina State School of Character. The Schools of Character awards program is sponsored by the South Carolina Department of Education and is designed to recognize schools or districts that demonstrate outstanding school climate and academic performance.

BMS is one of three schools chosen by a panel of reviewers who have been involved in character education and student development for many years. The other two State Schools of Character are Berkeley Elementary (Berkeley School District) and Pineview Elementary (Lexington Two).

Blythewood Middle also received an honorable mention as a School of Character at the national level. This is the first year BMS has applied for the award.