Columbia High is among five Richland One schools named 2009–10 Red Carpet award winners by the S.C. Department of Education. The awards recognize schools for creating family–friendly environments and providing excellent customer service. Shown are (l–r) Richland One superintendent Dr. Percy Mack, Columbia High principal Shenequa Coles, and state superintendent Dr. Jim Rex. If you call or visit Brennen Elementary, Burton- Pack Elementary, Columbia High, Crayton Middle, or Heyward Career and Technology Center, you can expect the “red carpet” treatment.

The five Richland One schools have been named Red Carpet Schools by the S.C. Department of Education. The awards recognize schools for creating familyfriendly environments and providing excellent customer service. State Superintendent Dr. Jim Rex made the surprise announcement recently at Columbia High.

“When you see a family– friendly school that emphasizes customer service, that school is much more likely to enjoy strong community support,” Rex said. “That’s important because community involvement can play a big role in a school’s academic success.”

Richland One’s winners are among 124 schools statewide to be named recipients of the 2009–10 Red Carpet awards. The schools will receive actual red carpets with the state seal to display in their lobbies proclaiming the coveted designation.

Nearly 300 schools across the state applied for the Red Carpet award this year. Schools had to submit a detailed written application and copies of their communication plans. Schools that passed the written application phase were then screened by a panel of independent judges who rated how telephone callers and visitors were treated. Judges did not identify themselves during telephone calls or site visits, which were not announced in advance.