The Dick and Tunky Riley Award for SIC Excellence
Celebrating South Carolina’s Most Outstanding
School Improvement Councils
Each year, the Dick and Tunky Riley Award for School Improvement Council (SIC) Excellence honors local councils whose work has made a lasting impact on their schools and communities.
Created in 2002 by the SC-SIC Board of Trustees, the award is named for former South Carolina Governor and U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley and his wife, Tunky Riley, who championed civic engagement and quality public education.
Winning this award places your SIC among the best of the best, recognizing your leadership, collaboration, and commitment to student success.
Ready to Apply?
The first step in the Riley Award process is completing the Intent to Apply Form. This brief form lets SC-SIC know your council plans to participate. Once submitted, SC-SIC staff will create a dedicated application portal for your SIC and email access instructions within three business days. Your council will then have until November 20, 2026, to upload its Round 1 application materials.
There's no need to have your application materials ready when completing the form.
Why Apply
Your SIC works hard to engage families, improve schools and inspire your community.
Applying for the Riley Award:
Celebrates your council’s achievements and dedication to positive change.
Inspires other councils with your story and strategies.
Strengthens your community’s pride in your school and its progress.
Even if you don’t win, councils that achieve Honor Roll status are recognized statewide for their excellence.
“This award highlights the power of collaboration and the incredible things SICs can achieve when families, schools, and communities work together.”
How the Process Works
The Dick and Tunky Riley Award for SIC Excellence recognizes School Improvement Councils (SICs) that demonstrate outstanding leadership, collaboration, and a lasting impact on student success.
The updated application process includes three rounds, beginning with a review of foundational requirements and progressing to a closer examination of each council’s accomplishments and impact.
Round 1: Compliance & Foundational Requirements
Begin by completing the Intent to Apply Form. SC-SIC staff will provide your council with access to a dedicated application portal within three business days.
By November 20, 2026, applicants must submit:
A brief, one-page summary describing how the SIC’s projects or activities align with the school’s School Renewal Plan goals.
Documentation from the 2025–26 school year demonstrating compliance with membership requirements, meeting minutes and agendas, the SIC Report to Parents, bylaws, and the school’s Report Card Narrative.
SICs that meet all foundational requirements and submit the required summary will advance to Round 2.
Round 2: Case Statement & Letters of Support
Tell the story of your SIC’s work and its impact on your school community.
Qualifying SICs will be notified by December 4, 2026, and invited to submit:
A detailed Case Statement describing the SIC’s work, how it supports priorities identified in the School Renewal Plan, and the impact of its actions or projects.
Three Letters of Support: one from the current school principal and two from individuals who are not SIC members but are familiar with the council’s work.
Round 2 submissions are due February 19, 2027.
The four highest-scoring SICs will advance to the Finalist Round.
Round 3: Finalist Review & Recognition
Celebrating South Carolina’s most outstanding School Improvement Councils.
The four finalist SICs will be notified by March 5, 2027. An independent panel of judges will review the finalists’ applications and select the 2027 Dick and Tunky Riley Award recipient.
All four finalists will be invited to present their SIC projects at the SC-SIC Annual Conference on April 10, 2027. These presentations provide an opportunity to share successful practices and inspire other councils across South Carolina. Presentations are not part of the judging or scoring process.
The Riley Award recipient will be announced and recognized during the Annual Conference.
2025 Riley Award Winner - Lemira Elementary SIC
Lemira Elementary SIC demonstrated extraordinary dedication to motivating, inspiring, and educating their students to be college-and-career-ready.
Their work focused on:
Closing learning gaps through targeted tutoring, enrichment, and small group instruction.
Providing mentoring programs to build student confidence.
Launching the Attendance H.E.R.O. initiative, boosting attendance and school culture
These efforts created measurable improvements in student success and a more supported and connected school community.
2025 Honorable Mention SICs
Blue Ridge High SIC
Edith L. Frierson Elementary SIC
Sumter High SIC
Be Inspired. Take the Next Step.
The Riley Award is more than recognition. It’s a movement to elevate schools across South Carolina by shining a light on councils doing transformational work.
If your SIC has led meaningful, measurable change, we encourage you to apply.
Your story could inspire others and help shape the future of education in our state.