Volume 3, Issue 4
As we kick off another year at Clover LEAF, we’re filled with gratitude for the passion, generosity, and incredible support from our community. Our mission to advance the education of students in the Clover School District remains at the heart of everything we do. We’re proud to have positively impacted so many students’ lives through our grants. Two standout events this year highlight the power of community and collaboration. Our Annual Gala held in February was a resounding success, raising over $30,000 to support our grants program. Another unforgettable highlight was the Clover Cuisine event, a culinary showcase prepared by the incredibly talented students enrolled in the Culinary Arts Program at the Center for Career Innovation.
Student Achievement Grant
Established in August of this year the Student Achievement Grant is for a specific, one-time, short-term purpose or activity to assist students in pursuing opportunities that will enhance their overall individual learning. Activities will represent the Clover School District at Regional (defined as multi-state), National or International Competitions.
Students in grades 5 through 12 may apply for a grant of up to $2000 to help cover the costs associated with educational experiences for which the student has been nominated or qualified.
Activities must enhance an applicant’s total learning experience and may include:
- academic or leadership seminars
- competitions
- workshops.
For more information contact LEAF at: cloverleafsc@gmail.com
A Tree Grows in the Clover School District Auditorium
Clover LEAF has planted a tree on the wall of the Clover School District Auditorium. When you enter the auditorium lobby look on the wall to your right. The tree does not require water, but its fertilizer to enhance this artistic image is created by the display of names of those who have donated to Clover LEAF. The idea for a donor tree was jump started with the bequest of funds from the estate of Joe Killian (March 16, 1939-August 1, 2018) and Dolly Killian (March 1, 1948-October 22, 2019). Joe Killian was on the original Clover LEAF board of directors and a loyal supporter. The Donor Tree is an effort to acknowledge the Killians’ gift and encourage others to donate to Clover LEAF as a way to honor and remember special teachers, family or friends. The Clover LEAF Donor tree became a reality from the idea of Jessica Cody and others at a meeting of the Foundation board. Then President Jackie Hicks took the bull by the horns or should I say the tree by the trunk. She, along with Windy Bartee talked to Clover teachers who helped design and build the tree that grows on the wall. Wayne Williams, Assistant Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE), involved his students in designing the tree with leaves from their scrap metal. Chris Davis, the art director, guided his students in painting and placing the various colors for the levels of giving. To continue the growth of the tree, you may purchase a Clover LEAF Donor Tree leaf in honor or memory of someone by sending a check to Clover LEAF, 604 Bethel Street, Clover, SC 29710 or clicking on https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/donor-tree . Legend:
$50 Bronze
$100 Rose Gold
$250 Silver
$500 Gold
$1000 Green
Donor Tree in Auditorium
Agriculture Arena
We will continue working with the Western York County Agricultural Arena in partnership with the York School District, YSD Educational Foundation, and Clover School District. This initiative represents a significant investment in our community and its future, providing a space where students can engage in agricultural education, hone essential skills, and cultivate a deeper connection to the region’s rich agricultural heritage. Clover LEAF is proud to support a project that will serve as a hub for learning, innovation, and collaboration. Groundbreaking ceremonies took place on June 9. For more information about the Arena go to: https://www.facebook.com/WYCAgArena?ref=embed_page
Clover Cuisine
On April 10, the community was treated to a Fiesta of Flavors prepared by the Culinary Arts program at the Center for Career Innovation with lively entertainment by the CHS Jazz Band. Clover Cuisine supports LEAF's mission by providing a real-life culinary experience and preparing 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 an ensemble showcasing its young musicians’ talent and dedication. Their versatility is displayed through a diverse repertoire from swing and funk to Latin and salsa music, allowing them to bring joy to a wide audience.
Classroom Central Wishlist 25-26
Begun as a partnership between Clover LEAF and the CSD Teacher Forum to provide books for classroom libraries, Classroom Central is now a resource for Clover School District teachers to find a variety of free materials for their classrooms. The vision quickly expanded as classroom materials were donated by fellow teachers, community business partners and the Clover Community.
Classroom Central accepts donations to include cleaning supplies and all materials needed to create warm, welcoming environments for our students without adding any costs to our teachers. Please call (803) 810-8420 to arrange a time to drop off your donation. You may use the Donate button, scan the QR code or click on the link https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/classroom-central to make a cash donation. Checks can be mailed to Clover LEAF at 604 Bethel St, Clover, S.C. 29710.
• Construction paper/cardstock (all colors)
• Multipurpose paper (printer paper)
• School supplies
• Notebook paper
• Clean and reusable household items (toilet paper rolls, shoe boxes, etc.)
• Cleaning supplies
• Hygiene supplies
• Decorative items
• Holiday items
• Prizes (all grades)
• Clothing (all sizes)
• First-aid supplies
• Magazines
Grants Awards for 2025-2026
The “Clover LEAF Grant Road Show" was very successful if measured by the grants submitted: a record number of 72 grants submitted totaling $59,379.93. Of these 14 have were pulled by the district for alternate funding (Total: $11,386).
The Grants Committee has reviewed and scored all of the grants. (Names and schools were removed from them before the Grants committee received them). The Committee will meet soon to determine which of these receive funding based on their scores and discussion on their merits.
Prize Patrol, awarding of the grants, is scheduled for October 24. Our next newsletter will announce this year's grant winners and include an abstract of their projects. You will be able to view these on our website, https://www.cloverleafsc.org, and on our Facebook page, Clover LEAF – South Carolina.
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.
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!
