Boasting the highest number of valedictorians in school history (11), the class also
claims the highest entering GPA of 3.98. 
ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA - The future for Winthrop University's Class of 2021 looks
bright. Sunny, in fact.
The entering class received a special welcome via the Aug. 21 solar eclipse. Freshmen
joined returning students, faculty and staff on the Campus Green to watch the eclipse,
the first time in 99 years that the United States experienced a transcontinental solar
eclipse from Oregon through South Carolina. Afterward, President Dan Mahony officially
welcomed them at Convocation in Byrnes Auditorium.
Boasting the highest number of valedictorians in school history (11), the class also
claims the highest entering GPA of 3.98. Impressive!
Meet a few of the class' members:
*Ashley Allen of Sumter played in the USA Roller Derby World Cup and the Roller Derby Junior Olympic
Games.
*Caleb Blackwood of Rock Hill was chosen for the S.C. All-State fishing team. Only two students are selected overall.
*Ashlynn Harris of Bluffton helped construct and 3D print a prosthetic leg for a local adopted shelter dog that had lost a limb.
*Brandon Jackson of Columbia won the Southeast Boys and Girls Club Military Youth of the Year Award and will compete on the national level in Washington, D.C., this September.
*Molly Kuhlmann of Summerville competed in the National Archery Tournament.
Other fun class facts:
*Within the United States, Sao Puaoolelagi traveled the farthest to attend Winthrop — 4,657 miles from Hauula, Hawaii.
*Outside of the United States, two students--Rhys Jones and Ryan Jaede--traveled 9,926 miles and 9,513 miles from Geelong and Russel Vale, Australia, respectively.
Number of international students: 16
Most Common Boy Name: Christopher
Most Common Girl Name: Emily
For more information, contact Nicole Chisari, communications coordinator, at 803/323-2236 or chisarin@winthrop.edu.
