Volume 4, Issue 3
Celebrating 40 Years of LEAF!
Clover LEAF Annual Gala
The theme for the third annual Clover LEAF Gala, “Honoring Our Past and Growing Our Future,” beautifully reflected both the organization’s legacy and its continued commitment to education in our community. As the Clover School District experiences a year of historic growth, Clover LEAF’s investment in supporting teachers and students has never been more meaningful.
One of the evening’s most memorable moments came with the presentation of $2,000 gifts to the principals of the district’s three new schools. These funds are intended to help launch new programs and support early initiatives as the schools open their doors, ensuring students and teachers have the resources they need from day one. The gifts serve as a powerful reminder of Clover LEAF’s mission: strengthening public education today while helping cultivate opportunities for generations of students to come.
Guests enjoyed learning more about the Foundation’s largest gift to date—a $5,000 contribution supporting the Clover High School band’s trip to perform in the renowned Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. The annual parade, first held in 1890, features some of the nation’s finest marching bands and is watched by hundreds of thousands of spectators along the route and millions more on television.
We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, donors, and so many in-kind supporters. Your generosity makes it possible for Clover LEAF - South Carolina to continue supporting our teachers and empowering our students. We simply couldn’t do this without you.
New Principals
And a huge thank you to the incredible directors who planned the event and spent the day transforming the venue into such a beautiful space. Your hard work made the evening truly special.
News and Events
cLOVEr Cuisine 2026
Save the Date
Join us on Thursday, April 16, from 5-7 PM in the CHS Cafeteria to enjoy a delicious meal prepared by the students in the Culinary Arts program with lively entertainment by the CHS Jazz Band. This year’s theme is “Local cLOVEr”. It will be a reimagined farm-to-table experience in which the students will utilize fresh, local ingredients in recipes from around the globe. An example might be pork from a local farm being incorporated into a Vietnamese Bahn Mi slider.Clover Cuisine supports our mission of achieving and maintaining educational excellence in the Clover School District while providing a real-life culinary experience. CHS Culinary Arts program prepares students to be leaders in the Hospitality industry. Led by Chef Scott Michaw, students can gain industry ready certifications like ServSafe Foodhandler, Servsafe Food Safety Manager, and the Prostart COA.The Clover High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Courtney Wyatt, is a vibrant ensemble that showcases the talent and dedication of its young musicians. The Jazz Band's commitment to community engagement shines through their tours across the Clover School District and Clover Community. Their versatility is put on display through diverse repertoire that spans from swing and funk to Latin and salsa music, allowing them to bring joy to a wide audience. With each note, the Clover High School Jazz Band continues to enrich the cultural landscape of York County, creating memorable experiences for all.You may purchase tickets using the QR code above or at the linkhttps://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-clover-cuisine
LEAF 2026 Officers
Karen Farris - President
Karen is a dedicated educator with more than 16 years of experience in South Carolina public schools. She is currently serving as a long-term substitute in the Fort Mill School District. Her professional background includes curriculum development, classroom management, and engaging learners from kindergarten through seventh grade, with service across multiple districts and roles.
Karen brings both professional expertise and deep-rooted community connections to her work as a Clover LEAF Board member. A lifelong member of the Clover community, she is raising her family locally and remains actively involved in district life through athletics, fine arts, and church service. She serves as treasurer of the CHS Athletic Booster Club and as a member of the Choral Booster Club, where her husband, Chris, serves as president. Her long-standing commitment to education, combined with her personal investment in Clover schools, reflects a strong passion for supporting Clover LEAF’s mission and strengthening the Clover School District for future generations. Karen earned her B.S. in Early Childhood Education, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC and holds a South Carolina Board of Education, Professional Certificate as a Highly Qualified teacher.
Dr. Catherine Myrick - Vice President | Grants
Dr. Catherine Myrick, Vice-President - Grants. Dentist; Clover Family Dentistry. Dr. Myrick is a general dentist in Clover, where she has practiced for nearly 20 years after taking over her father’s dental practice. She is a graduate of Clover High School, Clemson University, Winthrop University, and the Medical University of South Carolina. Before pursuing dentistry, she taught multiple courses at Northwestern High School in Rock Hill, SC. Catherine is committed to lifelong learning and professional growth. In 2020, she earned Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry, followed by her Mastership in 2022. She is also an alumna of the Dawson Academy and the Pankey Institute of Dentistry, and she maintains active membership in the American Equilibration Society and the South Carolina Dental Association. Beyond her practice, Catherine is dedicated to leadership and service. She mentors high school students through the South Carolina Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership program, is a proud member of the Clover Rotary Club, and currently serves as Vice President of Grants for Clover LEAF.
Marty Cotton - Vice President
Marty Cotton, Vice President – Funds. Business Development Manager: Marty is proud of his three children - all graduates of the Clover School District. He has over twenty years as a Marketing and Business Development Director for Architectural and Engineering companies. Marty is responsible for creating and executing business development strategies, tactical plans, and processes to increase revenue, expand markets, and accomplish other objectives. He earned his MBA from Thunderbird - The American Graduate School of International Management. He also has a B.A. from Oklahoma State University.
Marty has always been committed to the support of education and finds his work for the Clover LEAF rewarding. In addition to his work with the Foundation, Marty volunteers with the Clover Rotary Club, the Clover Economic Development Board, and has served on the Clemson Family Advisory Board for almost a decade.
Alexis Ellis - Treasurer
Alexis Ellis, Treasurer. Manager: Comporium, Inc. Alexis serves as Tax Manager for Comporium, Inc., bringing strong financial expertise and a commitment to responsible stewardship to both her professional and volunteer roles. A graduate of Winthrop University, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting, as well as an MBA with an accounting emphasis. Deeply engaged in community service, she currently serves as Board Chair of Keystone Substance Abuse Services, is a past Treasurer for that organization, and serves as Treasurer for Clover LEAF. Her involvement with Clover LEAF reflects a genuine passion for the Clover School District and a desire to see it continue to grow and excel. She especially values the Foundation’s teacher grants and the opportunity to see students benefit from innovative ideas brought to life in the classroom.
Windy Bartee - Secretary
Alexis Ellis, Treasurer. Manager: Comporium, Inc. Alexis serves as Tax Manager for Comporium, Inc., bringing strong financial expertise and a commitment to responsible stewardship to both her professional and volunteer roles. A graduate of Winthrop University, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting, as well as an MBA with an accounting emphasis. Deeply engaged in community service, she currently serves as Board Chair of Keystone Substance Abuse Services, is a past Treasurer for that organization, and serves as Treasurer for Clover LEAF. Her involvement with Clover LEAF reflects a genuine passion for the Clover School District and a desire to see it continue to grow and excel. She especially values the Foundation’s teacher grants and the opportunity to see students benefit from innovative ideas brought to life in the classroom.
Grant Updates
ABii Robot
Dear Clover Leaf Grant Association,
I am writing to sincerely thank you for your generous donation, which made it possible for me to receive training to become an ABii trainer at my school. Your support has created an incredible opportunity not only for me professionally, but more importantly, for the kindergarten students I serve each day. Because of your support, we are now able to implement this innovative technology in multiple classrooms, expanding its impact beyond just one grade level.
ABii is an interactive, personalized learning robot designed to support early learners in English Language Arts, Math, and Life Skills (Social Emotional Lessons) aligned to South Carolina standards. The way ABii works is simple and student friendly. Each child logs into their personal profile and completes lessons that I have assigned or that ABii has prepared based on their learning needs. Students begin with a pre-assessment question to gauge their understanding of a specific standard. From there, they move into targeted instruction and an assessment aligned to that standard. The pre-assessment questions can also be used as instructional tools for whole-group teaching on our boards. I can use them at the beginning of a new ELA or Math unit to introduce a standard, spark discussion, and gauge prior knowledge before formal instruction begins. This allows me to tailor lessons based on real-time data and student readiness.
What makes ABii especially impactful for kindergarten students is its ability to adapt instruction to each child’s individual learning level. It meets students where they are and provides targeted practice to strengthen foundational skills in a way that feels engaging and fun. If students miss an answer, ABii scaffolds the question and gives students at least 3-4 ways to get the answer correct by asking the question different ways.
One of the most powerful aspects of ABii is the detailed data it provides teachers. The platform generates comprehensive graphs, charts, and growth reports that clearly measure student progress over time. We can see individual and whole-group academic growth in ELA, Math, and SEL standards. The visual data dashboards allow us to quickly identify strengths, skill gaps, and trends, helping us make informed instructional decisions.
In addition to academic growth, ABii measures student attentiveness and engagement during lessons. The data allows us to see patterns, such as whether students are more focused in the morning or afternoon, helping teachers make informed instructional decisions. This real-time feedback supports differentiated instruction and ensures that we are meeting the needs of every learner.
Your investment is directly impacting young students by promoting confidence, independence, and measurable academic growth. I am deeply grateful for your commitment to innovation and for supporting tools that enhance personalized learning in our classrooms.
Thank you again for believing in this initiative and for making a lasting difference in the lives of our students.
With appreciation,
Danyelle Wilson
Oakridge Elementary School
NASCAR Hall of Fame
In preparing for the 2025 LEAF Gala, our team reached out to the NASCAR Hall of Fame (HOF) in search of unique auction items. That inquiry connected us with Angela Basso, Director of Revenue and Business Development, and Bethany Stowe, Foundation Manager at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. What began as a request for complementary tickets quickly grew into a meaningful conversation about educational opportunities for students in the Clover School District (CSD).
Not only did the NASCAR Hall of Fame generously donate four tickets for a Hall of Fame tour to support our auction, but Angela and Bethany also expressed a strong interest in building an ongoing educational partnership with CSD. The NASCAR Hall of Fame Foundation currently provides STEAM-focused field trips, summer camps, and hands-on workshops for students across the Greater Charlotte region—resources that align with the needs and goals of our educators.
Working collaboratively with the Foundation, Dr. Millicent Dickey, Chief Academic Officer for CSD, and Chenetra Brewington, Assistant Principal at Clover Middle School (CMS), coordinated an opportunity for CMS 8th graders to experience a field trip to the Hall of Fame. As the photos show, the students were fully engaged and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
This partnership represents an exciting new avenue for CSD students and educators, and we look forward to exploring additional opportunities with the NASCAR Hall of Fame Foundation.
Learn more about their work here: nascarhall.com/partner-with-us/hall-of-fame-foundation
Next Generation of Digital Storytellers
This grant supports teaching the next generation of digital storytellers through enhanced video production capabilities in high school social media and journalism classes. With recent changes in classroom technology policies, students needed updated equipment to create compelling, professional-quality video stories for social media platforms and journalism. The grant funds the purchase of professional camera equipment with integrated audio recording capabilities, enabling students to create industry-standard videos more efficiently.
Hope you enjoy this video!
Chess for Clover Schools
This project provides chess material to all CSD schools. Material includes chess sets, chess clocks, books, etc.
Launch Leaders
This project engages 8th grade science students in hands-on learning through the design, construction, and launch of model rockets. Students will apply Newton’s First and Third Laws of Motion as they predict, test, and analyze how forces act on rockets. In addition, we will host “Rocket Launch Parties” where parents are invited to attend and celebrate learning with their children.
Donate Today!
Please join us in our exciting and worthwhile endeavor, where each individual, including YOU, becomes a valuable gem in our ever-growing treasure chest – the Clover LEAF. Throughout the school year, our dedicated officers and committees will be actively disseminating newsletters and event updates, providing you with insights into our integrity, ongoing initiatives, and the ways in which you can contribute to Clover LEAF's mission of bolstering educators and students within the Clover School District. Your participation and support are essential to our collective success, and we look forward to sharing this inspiring path with you.
This past year we received a record number of grant proposals – 72. Due to your generosity, the Grants Committee elected to fund 24 of those totaling over $20,186. Pictures of the grant winners receiving their Big Checks and an abstract of their projects are under Grants on our website, www.cloverleafsc.org, on our Facebook page, Clover LEAF – South Carolina and in Volume 3 Issue 5 of Clover LEAF newsletter.
Your generous donation to Clover LEAF will support academic excellence by making a meaningful difference for educators and students. Please make checks, corporate matches or other gifts payable to Clover LEAF and mail them to:
Clover LEAF, Inc
604 Bethel Street
Clover, SC 29710
You may send your donation via Zeffy by clicking the button below. Thank you for your support!