The Cherokee Chronicle

10/08/2025

Cherokee County School District Names
Dr. Fitzpatrick as New Superintendent

The Cherokee County School District Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that Dr. Raashad Fitzpatrick has accepted the position as the district’s new superintendent effective Jan. 1, 2026. The Board was unanimous in the decision to hire Dr. Fitzpatrick.

Dr. Fitzpatrick is no stranger to Cherokee County having served as Principal at Gaffney High School from 2013 to 2019 before accepting a position as Assistant Superintendent and District Ombudsman for the Greenville County School District. Most recently, Dr. Fitzpatrick has served as Lancaster County School Superintendent since October 2023.

“It is with a deep purpose and enthusiasm that I accept the position of Superintendent of Cherokee County School District,” Dr. Fitzpatrick said. “A significant part of my leadership journey was in Cherokee County, where I had the privilege of serving as principal of Gaffney High School and watching my two oldest children graduate. Now, my two youngest children will be in the Cherokee County School System, and I look forward to seeing them graduate here as well.”

Dr. Fitzpatrick brings a servant’s heart and a record of district-level success to his new role; he has demonstrated his ability to lead with vision, integrity and results.

“I am grateful to the Board of Trustees for this vote of confidence,” Fitzpatrick said. “I have many wonderful memories and long-established relationships with people in Cherokee County and am looking forward to renewing friendships and creating new partnerships.”

Board Chair Shanese Dawkins expressed the Board’s collective excitement and confidence in Dr. Fitzpatrick’s leadership and willingness to serve: “We are thrilled for the return of Dr. Raashad Fitzpatrick to Cherokee County. We sensed his passion for coming here to lead our schools,” Dawkins said. “We are confident his leadership will guide our district toward continued success and innovation.”

“Our community’s input was a key factor in the Board’s search,” Dawkins said.

“This was a thorough, comprehensive, and thoughtful process,” she explained. “It was clear that Dr. Fitzpatrick’s vision for Cherokee County Schools and his dedication to our students and teachers make him the ideal choice as superintendent.”

“I have known Dr. Fitzpatrick for a very long time,” stated Dr. Thomas White, Interim Superintendent. “He is a man of great integrity, character, and faith, and he is a dedicated husband and father. I applaud the Cherokee County Board of Trustees for this decision. I believe Dr. Fitzpatrick possesses the human relations and administrative leadership skills to lead Cherokee County School District to excellence.”

The Board of Trustees will hold its regular meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 13. During that meeting the Board will officially approve the new superintendent’s contract. The finalized contract will then be made available.

Dr. Fitzpatrick brings extensive experience to the superintendency, having served in various leadership roles throughout South Carolina.

“I believe Cherokee County School District is poised to become one of the premier school districts in South Carolina,” Fitzpatrick said. “We will accomplish this by putting students first, supporting educators, and forging strong partnerships with families and community stakeholders. With its strong traditions, talented educators, and dedicated families, this District has all the ingredients for greatness. I’m eager to bring my servant leadership philosophy back home to help realize that potential.”

Dr. Fitzpatrick earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from West Virginia State University in 1997. His Master of Arts in Leadership Studies was completed in 1999 at Marshall University, and his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership was completed in 2012 at South Carolina State University. His training and preparation also includes the following:

• South Carolina Association of School Administrators, Center for Executive
Leadership: District Level Leaders Silver Strand 2022-2023
• National Dropout Prevention Center, Trauma Skilled Schools 2019
• National Dropout Prevention Center, Dropout Prevention Specialist 2019
• Leadership Cherokee, Class of 2015
• South Carolina School Leadership Executive Institute Program 2013
• Harvard EdRedesign Place-Based Education Leader Design Fellow 2025
• Furman Riley Institute Diversity Leadership Institute Fellow 2024

Dr. Fitzpatrick’s professional organizations and community services organizations are numerous. He has been a presenter for state and national organizations. His previous experience includes Graduate Assistant at Marshall University; Defensive Line Coach at West Virginia State University; Adjunct Professor at Converse University; teacher and coach at Chesnee High School; assistant principal at Whitlock Junior High School and Spartanburg High School; principal at Carver Middle School and Gaffney High School; Assistant to the Superintendent and District Ombudsman for Greenville County School District; and Superintendent for Lancaster County School District.

08/19/2025

08/18/2025

***Attention 2025 GHS Football Booster Club Members***

Members of the Gaffney High School Football Booster Club can pick up their booster club packages Tuesday, August 19th at the Booster Club room from 4:30pm - 6:30pm.

Please email the booster club at [email protected] or call 864-444-2435 if you are not able to pick up during this time.

The booster club thanks its members for their continued support as the new season kicks off Friday night at The Reservation.

08/13/2025

OLLIE'S BARGIN OUTLET
TO OPEN IN GAFFNEY

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet will open a store in Gaffney next year, filling the former Big Lots space at Cherokee Plaza, local officials announced Wednesday afternoon.

The deal, finalized this week, will bring the discount retailer to the shopping center in the second quarter of 2026. The project was made possible through a partnership between the Cherokee County Development Board, Retail Strategies and the owner of Cherokee Plaza Shopping Center.

County leaders said the addition of Ollie’s is part of a broader effort to grow the area’s retail and commercial base.

In addition to Ollie’s, Beall’s is set to open in the same shopping center this October.

08/07/2025

PREVATTE STATUE ARRIVES AT GHS

Crews from Sossamon Construction were onsite at Gaffney High School Thursday morning, placing the statue of Bob Prevatte just outside The Reservation. The bronze statue is being moved from Limestone University to Gaffney High following the closure of the historic institution.

Donated by Carolina Panthers Founder Jerry Richardson, the statue was the showpiece of Limestone's athletic complex named after Prevatte, who coached Richardson during high school in North Carolina.

Prevatte arrived in Gaffney in 1956, taking over a downtrodden football program. Over the next 14 seasons, Prevatte captured five state titles, scored 119 victories, and became a beloved legend amongst the Indian faithful.

Crews are planning to complete the work ahead of the start of the 2025 gridiron season, which begins August 22. (Staff Photos: Brock Hamrick)

07/02/2025

SC PEACH FESTIVAL PARADE
TO BE HELD IN BLACKSBURG

Blacksburg Town Council voted unanimously in favor of accepting a request from the South Carolina Peach Festival to host the 2025 parade in Downtown Blacksburg. The vote was taken during a special called town council meeting Wednesday afternoon. The parade will be held July 12th at 10:00 a.m. through the streets of the Iron City.

06/20/2025

The Gaffney High School Football Booster Club hosted a meet-and-greet Thursday night with new coordinators Brad Van Horn and Ian Cooper, along with first-year head coach Donnie Littlejohn. The three coaches gave a brief introductory speech to the large crowd gathered in the Booster Club Room before shaking hands and talking with the Gaffney fans. The event also offered members a chance to save $25 on their memberships for the upcoming season. The booster club is still accepting applications, which are due by next Friday, June 27, to guarantee football program recognition. (Staff Photos: Brock Hamrick)

06/19/2025

BRIGHT NAMED NEW
VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICER

The Cherokee County Legislative Delegation has appointed Mr. Steven Bright of Gaffney as the new Cherokee County Veterans Affairs Officer. He will replace Mr. Todd Humphries who recently announced his resignation. Mr. Bright’s appointment is effective Monday, June 23, 2025.

The Cherokee County Veteran’s office is located 110 Railroad Avenue, Gaffney, South Carolina.

05/06/2025

HUFF DECIDES IT'S TIME TO STEP AWAY

By: Brock Hamrick
Sports Editor

Seven years after stepping away from coaching for the first time, Gaffney High School head girls basketball coach Mark Huff has decided once again that it’s time.

And unlike in 2018, this time – it will likely be for good.

Huff shared his decision with his team and administration at Gaffney High School Tuesday afternoon, marking the end of one of the most dominant coaches to ever roam the basketball sidelines.

“I just feel like it’s time,” Huff told The Chronicle Tuesday afternoon. “I’ve talked with other coaches over the years, and they’ve told me that ‘you’ll know when it’s time.’ I’ve been thinking a lot about it, and I’ve been praying about it – and I just feel like it’s the right decision. I don’t have the same energy and enthusiasm that I used to have.”

A native of Greenville, Huff arrived in Gaffney in 1997 and took over a struggling boys basketball program that had only won a handful of games the prior few seasons. Within a few seasons, the Tribe was in the playoffs, and not long after, competing for state titles.

Huff won three straight state titles from 2003-2005 with the Indians, marking the most impressive run at the premier level in South Carolina prep basketball at the time. Somehow, Huff managed to build a basketball program in a football town.

“People told me I was crazy to leave JL Mann in 1997 to take the Gaffney job,” Huff said. “But looking back now, it changed my family’s life. I told those people that if Gaffney was that good in football, I could find five guys that could play basketball. The Lord blessed me with a lot more than five.”

He won two more state titles in 2010 and 2012 before retiring in 2018. Of his 42 years spent in education, Huff only spent three years not coaching.

“I’ll be honest, I got the itch during those three years when I wasn’t coaching,” Huff said.

For the past four seasons, Huff returned to the bench – leading the Lady Indians basketball program. Last year, Gaffney won the Region II-5A Title and threatened as one of the best teams in the state midway through the year.

Huff retires with an overall coaching record of 610-233, combing his time at Southside, JL Mann, and both Gaffney teams.

“I’ve enjoyed these past four seasons with the girls team, but I don’t want to be a figure head sitting down there on the bench,” Huff said. “The team needs someone with more energy and enthusiasm than I am able to put in. It’s a hard decision to make because it’s all I’ve ever done.”

Huff said he and his family plan to remain in Cherokee County, calling it "their home."

And while Gaffney fans will no longer see the familiar face on the bench, the memories of the exhilarating victories, and even the heart-breaking losses, will last forever.

05/02/2025

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEWS:

Aerowerks Selects Cherokee County
to Establish First US Operation

Aerowerks, a manufacturer for the food service industry, today announced it selects Cherokee County to establish the company’s first U.S. operation. The company’s $10 million investment will create 52 new jobs.

With more than 40 years of experience, Aerowerks specializes in the manufacture of custom material handling systems, including return conveyers, tray accumulators and dish machines, for the food service industry. The company currently operates a production facility in Ontario, Canada.

Aerowerks’ new facility, located at 330 Huntington Road in Gaffney, will design, manufacture and assemble the company’s material handling systems. Operations are expected to be online later this month. Individuals interested in joining the Aerowerks team should contact Ping Chan ([email protected]). The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project.

"We are excited to establish our first U.S. operation in Cherokee County, a strategic location that will allow us to serve our customers better and expand our footprint in the food service industry. Our $10 million investment demonstrates our commitment to growth and innovation, and we are proud to contribute to the local economy by creating 52 new jobs. This facility will be integral to our vision of providing high-quality, custom material handling systems, and we look forward to working alongside the community to create a successful and sustainable operation."-Aerowerks Corporation of America President Balbir Singh

“South Carolina continues to build on its success in the manufacturing industry. Aerowerks’ $10 million investment in the Cherokee County community will greatly benefit the region and create new opportunities for our people, and we congratulate the company on this new operation.” - Gov. Henry McMaster
“South Carolina’s business-friendly environment and talented workforce continue to attract companies from around the world. We are proud to welcome Aerowerks and the new jobs it will bring to Cherokee County, and we look forward to building a strong partnership with the company.” - Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

"We are thrilled to welcome Aerowerks to Gaffney. This milestone is a testament to the strength of our community and the incredible partnership with Cherokee County. Together, we are paving the way for economic growth and innovation, ensuring a prosperous future for all our residents.” - Gaffney Mayor Lyman Dawkins III

05/01/2025

LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
TO PURSUE LIMESTONE CAMPUS

The Cherokee County School District Board of Trustees voted in favor of allowing Interim Superintendent Dr. Thomas White to begin negotiations in an attempt to purchase Limestone University’s campus. The board met during a special called meeting Thursday night and made the motion following executive session.