COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Four South Carolina schools will be named Palmetto's Finest for 2011.

The annual awards ceremony is Tuesday night at the Koger Center in Columbia. The ten finalists were announced in January.

The awards recognize schools with high-achieving students, innovative education programs, high-quality teachers and strong community involvement. Thirty-five schools submitted the necessary 20-page application for the awards last fall. Judging included two rounds of school visits.

The awards will go to two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. They are presented yearly by Carolina First and the South Carolina Association of School Administrators.

This is the 33rd year for the awards.

The recognition is the main award. All finalists receive a plaque. The four winners also receive a school banner and bumper stickers for staff and students.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)