D. W. Daniel High School
An in-depth exploration of its history, campus, academic rigor, and distinguished achievements.
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Overview
Institution Profile
D. W. Daniel High School, often referred to as Daniel High School, is a comprehensive public high school serving students from grades nine through twelve. It is situated in an unincorporated area of Pickens County, South Carolina, with a Central postal address. The school is a key institution within the School District of Pickens County (SDPC).
Motto and Origins
The school's distinctive motto, E Tribus Unum, translates from Latin to "One out of three," reflecting its establishment in 1955 through the consolidation of three distinct rural high schools: Central, Clemson, and Six Mile. This unification aimed to provide a more robust educational framework for the region.
Geographic Context
Located in the Upstate region of South Carolina, D. W. Daniel High School serves the communities of Central, Clemson, and Six Mile. Its campus is strategically positioned at the intersection of South Carolina Highway 133 and Six Mile Highway, making it accessible to a broad student population.
Historical Foundation
Honoring an Educator
The school bears the name of David Wistar Daniel (1867โ1961), a respected educator. Mr. Daniel dedicated his career to public education, teaching for nine years before embarking on a 49-year tenure at Clemson College, where he eventually served as the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. His legacy is memorialized in the institution that continues to serve the community.
Consolidation and Modernization
Established in August 1955, Daniel High School was formed by merging the Central, Clemson, and Six Mile high schools, embodying its motto "One out of three." The original campus served the community for decades until a significant modernization effort. A new, state-of-the-art facility was constructed on the same site, with the previous building being razed in June 2012. The new academic buildings and expanded campus opened for the 2012โ2013 school year, designed to accommodate future growth and enhance educational delivery.
Campus Facilities
Expansive Grounds
The D. W. Daniel High School campus spans an impressive 92.78 acres (37.55 hectares). This substantial area provides ample space for academic buildings, athletic facilities, and future expansion.
Modern Infrastructure
The contemporary academic facilities, totaling 227,950 square feet, were designed with foresight. They encompass administrative and guidance areas, a cafeteria and kitchen, a media center, multiple gymnasiums, and an auditorium with fine arts facilities. The architectural plan allows for the construction of additional classrooms should enrollment projections necessitate it. The layout strategically places athletics and fine arts facilities on the first floor, with classrooms occupying the second and third floors.
Athletic Venues
A new Daniel High School Stadium was inaugurated in August 2011 on a dedicated 23-acre tract adjacent to the original school. This modern facility significantly enhances the school's athletic capabilities, featuring seating for approximately 5,300 spectators and serving as the home ground for the Daniel Lions football team.
Academic Excellence
Curriculum and Accreditation
D. W. Daniel High School adheres to the rigorous curriculum standards established by the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE). Students are required to complete a minimum of 24 credit units for graduation. The academic program includes both standard coursework and challenging Advanced Placement (AP) courses, offering students opportunities for advanced study and college credit. The school holds accreditation from the SCDE and has maintained accreditation with AdvancED (formerly SACS) since 1966, signifying a commitment to quality education.
National Recognition
The school's commitment to academic achievement has garnered national recognition. In 2012, U.S. News & World Report awarded D. W. Daniel High School the Silver Award in its ranking of Best High Schools, placing it as the No. 3 high school in South Carolina and No. 692 nationally. Furthermore, the school has been recognized in the Challenge Index, reflecting its success in preparing students for higher education and challenging academic pursuits.
Student-Teacher Ratio
With 1,216 students enrolled for the 2023โ2024 academic year and 65.50 full-time equivalent teaching staff, the student-to-teacher ratio stands at approximately 18.56. This ratio facilitates personalized attention and supports the school's academic mission.
Extracurricular Pursuits
Mascot and Colors
The D. W. Daniel High School mascot is the Lion, and the official school colors are Columbia blue and gold. These symbols represent the school's spirit and identity within the athletic and academic communities.
Athletic Prowess
The Daniel Lions compete vigorously in the AAA League (Upper State) under the administration of the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL). The school offers a wide array of interscholastic sports, including baseball, basketball (boys/girls), competitive cheer, cross country (boys/girls), football, golf (boys/girls), soccer (boys/girls), softball, swimming and diving (boys/girls), tennis (boys/girls), track and field (boys/girls), and volleyball. The football program, in particular, has achieved significant success, securing multiple state championships. The Lions have also excelled in basketball, baseball, cross country, soccer, track and field, volleyball, and competitive cheer, demonstrating a broad athletic tradition.
Other Activities
Beyond athletics, D. W. Daniel High School fosters student engagement through various activities. The school supports programs such as competitive cheerleading, volleyball, and a distinguished marching band, contributing to a vibrant extracurricular landscape.
Distinguished Alumni & Faculty
Notable Students
D. W. Daniel High School has produced numerous accomplished individuals across various fields:
- Athletics: Marq Cerqua (NFL), Larry Craig (NFL), Pete Maravich (Basketball Hall of Fame), Jarvis Jenkins (NFL), DeAndre Hopkins (NFL), DeShawn Williams (NFL), Shaq Lawson (NFL).
- Public Service & Law: Walter T. Cox III (Federal Judge), Lindsey Graham (U.S. Senator).
- Media: Benjy Bronk (Head Writer, The Howard Stern Show).
Faculty and Staff
The school's history is also shaped by dedicated faculty and staff. Notably, David Wistar Daniel himself served as a significant figure in education, influencing the school's namesake and ethos. While specific faculty tenure details are extensive, the institution has consistently relied on experienced educators to guide its students.
Teacher's Corner
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and may not be entirely comprehensive, accurate, or up-to-date. It is based on a snapshot of information from Wikipedia and other sources as processed by the AI.
This is not an official publication of D. W. Daniel High School or the School District of Pickens County. The information provided is not a substitute for official school communications, direct consultation with school administration, or verification through primary sources. Users should consult official school channels for the most current and accurate information regarding admissions, programs, policies, and events.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.