On Wednesday, October 21, 2020 The Honorable Rita Allison presented Dr. John C. Stockwell with South Carolina's highest honor during The Spartanburg Academic Movement's (SAM's) Board meeting. During the meeting, the Board granted Stockwell emeritus member status in honor of his work with the county-wide initiative since its inception. Stockwell retired as SAM's Executive Director on August 31, 2020, a position now held by Dr. Russell Booker.
Comments from Representative Allison, Board Vice-Chair Dr. Darryl Owings, and SAM Executive Director Dr. Russell Booker hailed Stockwell’s tenure with the organization - work that started long before SAM was formed, merging the work of the Children’s Services Alliance and the College Hub.
Referencing SAM, Representative Allison remarked, "You have no idea what you have put together here. It is a model. I have referred to it many times as a jewel in the crown of South Carolina. I only wish we could take that all over the State of South Carolina."
Allison also thanked Stockwell for his years of service on the Education Oversight Committee before presenting the Order of the Palmetto.
"With grateful recognition of contribution and friendship to the State of South Carolina and her people," the award was officially conferred by Governor Henry McMaster.
Stockwell was congratulated by SAM Board members, staff, family, and friends who gathered, socially distant, in the Mungo Student Center at Wofford College.
With appreciation expressed to Representative Rita Allison, the SAM Board, family, and friends gathered, Dr. John Stockwell accepted the Order of the Palmetto Award conferred by Governor Henry McMaster. October 21, 2020