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BLYTHEWOOD -- A Richland County school is receiving national recognition for the growth of its students.

Lake Carolina Elementary School in Blythewood has been awarded a National School of Character award.

The school is one of 15 schools and districts across the country to be honored by the program put on by the Character Education Partnership.

The group looks for schools that demonstrate ethical, social and academic growth by teaching character to its students

In addition to being honored at a forum in San Francisco, the school will receive a $3,000 grant to help fund outreach efforts.

Lake Carolina is also the first school in the state to receive the award.