DILLON, S.C. (AP) -- The former South Carolina student whose plea to Congress to fix her rundown school attracted President Barack Obama's attention is being honored by the state.
Former J.V. Martin Junior High School student Ty'Sheoma Bethea was among three people receiving a Palmetto Ambassador of Education Award on Friday.
The presentation by Education Superintendent Jim Rex celebrated the federal loans and grants that will enable the district to replace the state's oldest school.
It was a homecoming for Bethea. The 15-year-old moved to Atlanta last October so her mom could find work.
Others receiving the award were Dillon County school board chairman Richard Schafer and Darryl Rosser, CEO of the Chicago-based classroom furniture supplier that gave the school a makeover last year.
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