Columbia, SC — SC Whitmore School (SCWS), a statewide online public charter high school, is proud to announce Dylan Matthew DiVittorio-Fernandez as the 2025 Student of the Year, recognizing his extraordinary perseverance, academic success, and inspirational journey to graduation.
Dylan’s path to this achievement is remarkable. After facing challenges in a traditional school setting that placed him on a non-diploma track, Dylan enrolled at SC Whitmore School and embraced the school’s flexibility to redefine his academic future. In just one school year, he completed the equivalent of 1.5 years of coursework. This included English 3 and 4 consecutively to graduate on time.
Kristen Jones, SCWS English teacher, praised Dylan’s determination and growth, “Dylan was a fantastic fit for SCWS. His previous school was not working for him, putting him on a non-diploma track. Upon starting SCWS, he was successful on the diploma track and earned his remaining 1.5 years of credit in just one school year! He worked very hard, always met with me to ask questions, and completed English 3 and 4 back to back with shortened course end dates to graduate by June, and he did it! His success story makes me proud to be part of a school that allows students to gain confidence and get back on track when the traditional school model does not work.”
Dylan’s story is not only one of academic triumph but also a personal message of hope and empowerment. In his own words, he shared, "I am so grateful for this opportunity to be Student of the Year. Over the years, I was always told that a high school diploma would be too difficult for me to achieve. Deep down, I always knew if I was given the chance to prove myself, I would be able to graduate with my high school diploma. My family supported me and always pushed me to the best of my potential. I am so thankful to my teachers and the administrators who always encouraged me and made me feel seen."
"I now know with confidence and guidance that the sky is the limit. I will continue to keep pushing myself and continue my studies. To the next student who has always been labeled the 'special needs kid,' please know you are more than an IEP or a parent-teacher conference. You are a person who can excel and apply yourself with the proper tools and guidance. To my amazing teachers and guidance counselors who believed in my ability to thrive, I am forever grateful to you all. I will miss you all and promise to keep in touch and check in with you on my accomplishments. Thank you, South Carolina Whitmore School, for this opportunity."
Dylan’s transformation and success exemplify the mission of SC Whitmore School — to meet students where they are and provide personalized, flexible learning environments that empower every learner.
SC Whitmore School Principal Eboné Adams said, “Dylan’s journey is a powerful example of perseverance. When given the opportunity to learn in a way that worked for him, he didn’t just meet expectations—he exceeded them. Completing 1.5 years of coursework in just one year, including English 3 and 4 back-to-back, shows his incredible dedication and determination. We are so proud to celebrate his success at SC Whitmore School.”
SC Whitmore School Executive Director Kim Dunbar said, “ Dylan is so deserving of this recognition, and we couldn’t be more proud. He is such a success story of what hard work and the appropriate educational environment can do. We are thankful Dylan chose SCWS as his school family and we can’t wait to see all he will accomplish.”
SC Whitmore School is honored to recognize Dylan for his academic accomplishments, leadership, and perseverance. His story is a powerful reminder of the potential that lies within every student when given the opportunity to thrive.