People & Events

GSSM student is perfect

Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics senior, Cuchulain Kelly, of York, achieved a perfect score of 36 on the September ACT test. Kelly is one of two students in South Carolina and one of 52 out of 250,000 nationally who took the September test to receive this score. Kelly is the son of Edward and Deirdre Kelly.
“When I first found out, I was really excited – I hadn’t heard of anyone getting a 36 before! I’m really glad I got that score,” Kelly said.
“When a very determined person of high character happens also to be very bright, good things are bound to happen. That’s Cuchulain. We are all very proud of him,” added Dr. Murray Brockman, president of GSSM.
The ACT is a national college admissions test that consists of subject area tests in English, mathematics, reading and science. The test includes 215 multiple-choice questions and a 30-minute writing test.
Located in Hartsville, the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics is a two-year public, residential high school and early college experience for exceptionally talented and outstanding juniors and seniors.

Progress Energy offers
holiday lighting safety
and efficiency tips
Decorating homes for the holiday season is a tradition for many families in the Carolinas. Since many decorations use electricity, Progress Energy encourages customers to take these precautions to ensure holiday decorations are installed and used safely:
Safety inside the home.

Select trees that are fresh and do not contain dry or brown limbs and keep the tree stand filled with water.

Avoid placing trees or other live greenery near heat sources, such as fireplaces, space heaters or vents.

Ensure that artificial trees have been tested and labeled as fire resistant.

Check holiday lighting packages to determine the maximum number of strands that may be linked together safely. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions.

Inspect light strands to ensure there are no electrical problems or damage to the wiring before using.

Avoid connecting light sets with different numbers of bulbs as they may have different electrical requirements.

Don’t place cords underneath rugs, furniture or other appliances. Doing so can cause cords to overheat or become frayed, possibly resulting in a fire. Also, take care when routing cords so that they do not become a tripping hazard. 

Check all extension cords for fraying, cracks or loose connections. When in doubt, replace old extension cords.

Don’t bunch lights too close together, as they can generate excessive heat that can melt insulation and expose live wires.

Always turn off decorative lighting when you go to bed or leave the house.
Safety outside the home

Use only lights that are specifically designed for outdoor use.

When installing lights, use caution under overhanging power lines, especially when using a ladder.

Never staple or nail through extension cords or holiday lighting wires, as doing so could damage wires and insulation, resulting in electric shock or fire.

Always use outdoor-rated extension cords and make sure that the current rating (in amps or “A”) of the device you are plugging in does not exceed the rating on the extension cord. Overloading extension cords can cause overheating of the cord.

Ensure that wires and lighting are not placed in areas prone to standing water or flooding.

Check all extension cords and light strands for fraying, cracks or loose connections as they can result in electric shock or fire.