Several area schools were named recipients of the Palmetto Gold and Silver awards for the 2012-13 school year on Monday.

To receive the awards, the schools must meet certain criteria identified by the Education Oversight Committee, according to a news release from the South Carolina Department of Education.

Belvedere Elementary

• The following pupils made the 100 Book Club: Sawyer Dixon, Hollymarie Guerrieri, Deacon Ledford, Gracie Green and Trevor Thompson.

• The following pupils made the principal's writing board: Katelynn Fulmer, Colten Walker, Myles Price, Austin Harrell, Tamyia McKevie and Erin Fridie.

• There is no school Friday.

 • Tuesday is the last day for the Good News Club.

Fox Creek High

• There will be a Sparkle Car Wash fundraiser for March.

General news

• The South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities will present its spring wind ensemble concert March 25 at the Gunter Theatre of Peace Center in Greenville.

Kristyn Dyches, of North Augusta, will be among the students performing in the concert.

Belvedere Elementary

• A blood drive will be held April 5 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The education system needs to be reformed, South Carolina’s Superintendent of Education told local business leaders Friday morning.

Speaking at the Great­er Aiken Chamber of Commerce’s First Friday Means Business breakfast at Newberry Hall, Dr. Mick Zais said that people often tell him that the issue of poverty must be addressed first in order for education to be improved.

“Well, actually, they got it backwards,” he said. “First you fix education, then you fix poverty.”

New solutions are needed, he said.