Georgetown County educational, athletic facilities plan receive thumbs up from voters

Unfortunately, there is no pausing the runaway train called time.

Just as one’s youthful exuberance fades over time, the luster of a pristine structure tends to do the same as years go by.

Seeing what years of wear and tear have done to Waccamaw High School, Georgetown County voters took to the polls earlier this month, opting to either approve or deny a referendum issuing $165 million in bond money to cover construction projects for the county school district. The plan – which would not call for a tax increase – passed by a 57 percent margin.

Each school under the Georgetown County School District umbrella is in line for millions in renovations, aiming to improve students’ overall learning experience. The referendum also gave the school district the green light to enhance athletic facilities.

Andrews, Carvers Bay, Georgetown and Waccamaw high schools each will see at least $11 million of work.

Each of the schools will receive upgrades in terms of new auxiliary gyms, and upgrades to their tennis and track and field facilities.

Few may be as excited for the upcoming improvements than Waccamaw principal Dr. David Hammel, who has seen his school excel in both academics and athletics during his time at the helm.

“Waccamaw High School is very excited about the passage of the bond referendum and the many ways it will enhance our academic and athletic programs,” he said. “We are slated to receive new tennis courts on campus, a new auxiliary gymnasium, a rubberized track and additional practice fields as well. On the academic side, we will benefit from new science labs as well as computer labs for our Warrior Virtual Online Academy in addition to other enhancements and additions as well.

“We are very excited about these improvements and look forward to the many new opportunities these new facilities will bring for our students.”

This story was originally published November 29, 2016 at 4:54 PM with the headline "Georgetown County educational, athletic facilities plan receive thumbs up from voters."