Eau Claire mock trial program raises the bar

COLUMBIA, SC – Eau Claire High School has been named the 2015 High School of the Year by the South Carolina Bar’s Law Related Education Division.

One elementary or middle school and one high school are selected for the award based on how well they implement law-related curricula and/or programs as well as their commitment to the organization’s principles.

The Richland 1 school was cited, in large part, for its Mock Trial Program that was created in 2011 to expand the educational opportunities available to students. Since then, team members have learned about courtroom procedure, etiquette and competitive sportsmanship.

Eau Claire mock trial team member Von’terrious Craig was named most effective attorney during the 2015 High School Mock Trial regional competition in Lexington earlier this year.

“Eau Claire has been a blossoming school with respect to law-related education,” said Cynthia H. Cothran, LRE Director. “The mock trial team is relatively new, but this year they showed great character, teamwork and a true passion for law. We are proud of their progress and excited to watch them grow.”

Eau Claire received a $2,500 check for its selection during the school’s annual awards day Thursday.

PHS students cook up success at statewide culinary competition

Green pea pancakes, garlic sautéed mushrooms and fried quail eggs were just some of the ingredients of a successful culinary outing for some Pelion High School students recently.

The Lexington 1 school’s Junior Varsity Culinary Team claimed first place in the Junior Varsity Division of the South Carolina ProStart Culinary Competition.

Seventeen varsity teams and five junior varsity teams took part in the competition at the Charleston Convention Center. During the event, teams had to prepare the same three-course meal in 60 minutes and had to bring all necessary food items and non-electric or battery-operated equipment with them.

The students had no access to running water and used two propane burners to prepare their meals.

The Pelion Culinary Arts Program is directed by Rhonda Woods.

Lower Richland coach earns Hall of Fame honors

Lower Richland High School girls basketball coach Debbie Stroman was inducted into the South Carolina Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame at its annual postseason banquet earlier this year.

“You want to be considered the measuring stick for everything that you do,” said the five-time Richland 1 coach of the year, who has compiled a 466-177 record in her 23 seasons at the school. “You want people to say they want their program to be like Lower Richland’s.”

Stroman’s teams have won seven state championships and 10 regional titles and have had three undefeated seasons.

“Being honored for all those accomplishments of this magnitude is rewarding,” Stroman said. “I think about all those games, players and fans that have supported me and Lower Richland basketball, and I am proud to be chosen for the Hall of Fame.”

This story was originally published May 25, 2015 at 7:37 PM with the headline "Eau Claire mock trial program raises the bar."