GEORGETOWN, SC — On Thursday, January 16, 2025, sixth-grade students from Rosemary Middle, Georgetown Middle, Carvers Bay Middle STEAM Academy, and Waccamaw Intermediate had the opportunity to attend Coastal Carolina University’s (CCU) Women’s Basketball game against Georgia State University. The Lady Chanticleers triumphed over the Georgia State Panthers with an 83-68 victory during this exciting game, which was part of CCU’s Education Days initiative.
Superintendent Dr. Bethany A. Giles joined the students for this special trip, emphasizing the importance of athletics and academic achievement. “It was an incredible experience to share my love of basketball and college athletics with our students while encouraging them to dream big,” said Dr. Giles. “Events like this open their eyes to the possibilities of higher education and the rewards of hard work, both on and off the court.”
The trip was made possible through the generosity of Coastal Carolina University, which provided tickets for the students, and Carolina Limousine & Coach, which handled transportation for the event. GCSD would like to extend special thanks to Coastal Carolina University’s Administration, Dwayne Beam; CCU Assistant Athletic Director of Marketing and Fan Engagement, Cliff Bonner; CCU Operations (Bryan Stiles and Bobby Floyd), CCU Public Safety (Steven Valenti), CCU Basketball (Kevin Pederson and Decole Shoemate-Robertson), the CCU Student-Athlete Volunteer Program (Alise Svihla and Walter Goffigan), and Carolina Limo (Joe Reinhardt and Rebecca Ulrich) for their continued partnership and support, which make events like this possible.
Students and teachers participated in timeout and halftime activities organized by CCU Athletics, adding an interactive and engaging element to the day. The experience highlighted the excitement of college sports while reinforcing the value of teamwork and education.
This initiative aligns with Dr. Giles' commitment to inspiring students to explore the world beyond the classroom. This unique opportunity not only showcased the talent of the Lady Chanticleers but also allowed GCSD students to envision themselves thriving in college environments.
