Landrum Middle School recently became the third school from District One in Spartanburg County to be designated a National School to Watch by the South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education.

The South Carolina AMLE observes each applicant school and judges them on four major categories, which include academic excellence, developmental responsibility, social equitability and organization.

“Landrum is a well-organized, high functioning school, with outstanding leadership,” said Linda Allen, AMLE national representative. “There is an apparent respect among teachers and students, with a family oriented atmosphere.”

Allen commended Landrum Middle School for its cleanliness despite using an older building, and for displaying excellence within the first step beyond its front doors.

The recognition program took place in the Landrum Middle School gym on May 28, and was kicked off by performances by the LMS chorus, strings and band.

In her acceptance speech, LMS Principal Dr. Crystal McSwain, held high praise for her student body.

“Our drive for excellence extends to academics and beyond,” said McSwain, “It’s about our character, and how you respect your friends and teachers.”

In total, 400 schools were named National Schools to Watch, with 18 coming from South Carolina. All three District One middle schools now belong to this elite group.

“We are a school to watch, we are Landrum Middle School, ” said McSwain emphatically.