Rock Hill board unanimously dedicates Northwestern High welcome center to educator Samuel R. Foster

The Rock Hill School Board of Trustees voted on Feb. 24 to dedicate the Northwestern High School Welcome Center to Samuel R. Foster, a longtime educator and community leader.

Board members heard several speakers who described Foster’s role in local education and the community before taking formal action. A district presenter summarized Foster’s career, saying he “was the first African American to serve as principal of a fully integrated public high school in South Carolina” and that naming the Welcome Center “is particularly fitting as it is the first space that greets students, families, and visitors.”

The board took a three‑step action: it first moved to suspend the district policy that normally prohibits naming facilities for people, then voted to dedicate the Welcome Center to Foster, and immediately afterward voted to reinstate the naming policy. During the discussion, several trustees and community members praised Foster’s leadership and mentorship; one described him as “a pillar in the community” and another thanked him for “pouring into generations to come.”

Samuel R. Foster, who attended the meeting, thanked the board and those who supported him. “I do appreciate the opportunity to be here,” he said, and expressed gratitude to district leaders and the board for the honor.

The board recorded the dedication vote in open session; the minutes and roll call reflect the motion carried. The dedication followed a recognition event and short reception; board leadership said a plaque and an unveiling would follow.

Next steps: the district planned a short reception and photos after the vote and said it will post a formal record of the action on the district website and institute the planned unveiling of the plaque this week.