GCS Winners
Drive for Excellence GPA Challenge
Greenville County Schools proudly announces the extraordinary growth and success of the “Drive for Excellence” GPA Challenge. In partnership with the Greenville Drive, this innovative initiative, aimed at promoting academic achievement among high school student-athletes, has experienced remarkable expansion, with a significant increase in participation and outstanding scholastic performance across high school varsity athletics.
Since the program’s inception, the “Drive for Excellence” GPA Challenge has demonstrated impressive growth and impact:
Increase in Success for High Schools: From an initial recognition of 3 high schools achieving a GPA of 4.0 or better, 10 high schools have now achieved the 4.0 or better mark.
Overall GPAs have risen from 3.70 to 4.08 among almost 6000 varsity athletes. This growth reflects a heightened commitment among schools to prioritize academic excellence alongside athletic achievement.
Recognition of Outstanding Teams: In 2024, the “Drive for Excellence” GPA Challenge recognized an astounding 175 varsity athletic teams for achieving a GPA of 4.0 or better. This represents a significant increase from the 70 teams recognized in the inaugural challenge year of 2016, underscoring the growing emphasis on academic success within athletic programs.
“We are thrilled to witness the remarkable growth and impact of the ‘Drive for Excellence’ GPA Challenge since its inception,” said Darryl Nance, Director of Athletics for Greenville County Schools. “This program exemplifies the values of academic excellence, teamwork, and a commitment to the student-athlete in education based athletics.”
The success of the “Drive for Excellence” GPA Challenge underscores the dedication and hard work of student-athletes, coaches, educators, and community partners in fostering a culture of academic achievement and athletic excellence in Greenville.
“We are immensely proud of the strides made by participating schools and athletic teams in prioritizing academic success,” said Eric Jarinko, General Manager for the Greenville Drive. “The ‘Drive for Excellence’ GPA Challenge serves as a testament to the collective efforts of our community in supporting the holistic development of our youth.”
As the “Drive for Excellence” GPA Challenge continues to grow and inspire future generations of student-athletes, the Greenville Drive remains committed to its mission of making a positive impact on the community through initiatives that promote education, wellness, and community engagement. Guest Speaker Eddie Romero, Boston Red Sox Vice President and Director of International Scouting and Player Development, praised the students for their efforts and success and challenged them to continue to do great things.
