The following statement has been released by Timothy Keown, president of the Governor's School for Agriculture at John de la Howe:

Dear Aggie Students, Family, and Faculty and Staff,   

Due to the weather forecast on Friday and Saturday, we will have an early release day on Thursday (tomorrow) and a mandatory evacuation of our campus by 2:00 PM. With high wind gusts and intense rainfall predicted by Friday morning, we believe Thursday would be the safest day to travel. Animals will have to go home as well. 

Friday will be a virtual education day through Schoology. Teachers will be available all day, and students should log in to complete their assignments. If any student has a problem with Schoology, please do not hesitate to reach out to Mrs. Glace at sarah.glace@delahowe.sc.gov.  

From Thursday through Saturday, all after-school events are CANCELED. Of course, parents may take action and attend these livestock events with their children, but we won't be using our trucks and trailers for these shows as state fleet has shut down the use of our vehicles while this weather system tracks across our state. 

Please communicate with the Residential Life Office via residential.life@delahowe.sc.gov to let us know how your student will depart campus. Students will depart campus from 11:25 AM- 2:00 PM. Students may return to campus on Sunday, October 2nd, between 4:00-8:00 PM. No dinner will be served on this day.  

Thank you for your patience and understanding. We apologize for any inconvenience but appreciate your help securing our students' safety.  

Respectfully, 

Timothy R. Keown