Chapman High School has been given the opportunity that many schools don’t get.

Palmetto’s Finest is an award schools around South Carolina can apply for that identifies South Carolina’s best schools.

Chapman applied for this award in October and will receive a visit from judges because, according to Principal Ty Dawkins, the application “impressed the judges.”

The site visit is a random visit that will occur on one day between Nov. 16 and Dec. 2.

“(While at Chapman,) they will be visiting each and every classroom, observing lessons, and talking with students, faculty, and staff,” Dawkins said.

To Dawkins, the award means something greater.

“(Winning this award is) the distinct honor of winning the Palmetto State’s apex award awarded by the state,” Dawkins said.

Dawkins said that the reason for applying is simple:

“It’s time,” he said. “It’s time to let the state know what Chapman High School is all about. It’s time to show our panther pride.”

This visit is to be taken seriously and Dawkins expectations for his students are very high.

“I want to emphasize how important it is that you be on your absolute best behavior each of these days,” Dawkins said. “As always, I expect you to be well-behaved, engaged and excited. I expect to see teaching and learning occurring all day, every day.”

The end goal is to receive another visit at the beginning of 2017 and of course, win the award.

Dawkins believes that this is an opportunity that does not come often and that students should be excited.

“It’s an incredibly exciting time to be a Panther,” he said.