Camden Students Take Limo to First Day of School

Camden, SC (WLTX) -- If your mother always told you hard work pays off, she was right.
Twenty Camden Middle School students arrived in a limo on their first day back, because of their achievement the previous year.
It's more than an "A" for effort
"Today I'm going to middle school and I'm riding in a stretch limo," said 11-year-old Shaylah Hollingsworth.
"This is just the greatest...the greatest moment ever," said Cody Brewer, another 11-year-old as he rode to school.
Donovan Velton, was the first to climb into the Hummer limo that carried the group to school. He called the experience amazing.
"All the people looking at me like I'm rich," said 11-year-old Velton.
Last year, as fifth graders at Pine Tree Hill Elementary, the students improved their pass test scores by at least 15 points on two of three subjects, earning them a limo ride to school.
"Hard work, studying, and believing in myself and helping from my parents," said Velton, of how he met the challenge.
Lynne Conto, the elementary school's guidance counselor, says their work helped the school meet AYP--or adequate yearly progress--standards. They couldn't be more proud.
"I'm excited and I didn't even get to ride in the limo, but I'm excited for them, I know that's a wonderful experience and they worked really hard to be able to do that," said Conto.
While making the grade came with a sweet reward, the group says they've also learned a lesson that other students should remember.
"They need to work hard, and they need to reach their goals," said Hollingsworth.
"It'll probably show people that if they work hard they get rewarded," added 11-year-old Ryan Dabbs.
So they're starting off the year with that in mind, and plans to keep those habits themselves in the future.
Pine Tree Hill Assistant Principal Fay Hartis donated the ride to her former students for reaching their goal.