Academic Magnet High aims to restore Presidental Service Award for student volunteers

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – A long-standing tradition that once connected Charleston County students with the nation’s highest office has quietly come to a halt—and now, Academic Magnet High School is working to bring it back.

For years, students at Academic Magnet were recognized with the Presidential Service Award, a national honor that celebrates academic achievement and community involvement. But this school year, something was missing: the official letter from the President of the United States.

“Academic Magnet—we’re definitely known for our academics, but with that comes a great responsibility,” said Assistant Principal Kylene Gerideau-Grant. “We encourage our students to be strong community members. While 30 hours of community service is a requirement, many go well beyond that.”

In May, more than 50 students were honored with certificates for their volunteer work, provided through AmeriCorps. But school officials were surprised to find that the presidential portion of the award once included with a signed letter—had quietly disappeared.

“This year, I was able to get the awards before the school year ended—but there was no letter from the president,” Gerideau-Grant said. “When I went back into the account to check the numbers, I couldn’t access it anymore. A message popped up saying the award would no longer be offered at this time.”

The school never received formal notice about the program’s pause, leaving both students and administrators disappointed.

“It’s hard being a student—balancing academics, sports, and school activities. But stepping outside of school to serve the community? That says so much about their character,” Gerideau-Grant said. “They deserve to be recognized.”

While the program’s future remains unclear, staff at Academic Magnet say they’re hopeful the Presidential Service Award will return next school year.

News 2 will keep you updated as we learn more.