The Order of the Palmetto has been the state's highest honor since its creation in 1970 by Governor John West. Traditionally, it has gone to adults who have shown an outstanding commitment to their communities.

First Lady Mary Wood Beasley was inspired to seek creation of a special award recognizing South Carolina's young people after a visit to Greenville's Southside Christian School in the fall of 1995.

It was there she met Idell Koury's 8th grade class and was overwhelmed at what the students were doing to aid two homeless women and the two young children of one of the women.

The women had wandered into the school badly malnourished and destitute. After much discussion and prayer, the students decided to start a "caring ministry" to aid these women.

They collected clothes, food and money. About $350 was raised -- enough for a down-payment on a trailer. But the students' work had just begun.

They painted the trailer, bought and donated furniture and appliances and stocked the refrigerator. One student used her lifesavings - $70 from baby-sitting - to get the electricity turned on. The students found the women jobs at a local fast food restaurant and baby-sat for the children while they worked.

Mrs. Beasley wanted to find a way to honor young people like these and suggested the creation of a special award -- just for young people.

In December of 1995, Governor Beasley's office announced it was seeking suggestions for the new award's name.

The winning entry -- "The Order of the Silver Crescent" was submitted by a Language Arts Class at the Department of Juvenile Justice and chosen by an independent committee appointed by the Governor.

Committee members were:

The award can go to either individuals or groups whose members are 18 and under. Each recipient receives a special certificate -- just as do recipients of the Order of the Palmetto. In addition, each recipient will receive a very special lapel pin shaped like a silver crescent.

On January 22, 1997, the first Order of the Silver Crescent was awarded to the young people who inspired it -- Idell Koury's 8th grade class at Southside Christian School.