Editor's Note: In the 2/13/2025 edition of The Manning Times newspaper, an incorrect caption ran with the photos in this story. We apologize for any confusion caused by this mistake.
Clarendon County School District reached a key milestone in the construction of the new Walker Gamble Elementary School, celebrating a “Topping Off” ceremony on February 4 with Thompson Construction. The event, a traditional builders’ rite, signifies the placement of the final beam or structural element at the highest point of the building.
The milestone reflects the dedication of the Thompson Construction team and contractors working on the project. The district expressed its gratitude for their efforts and excitement for the school’s completion.
Topping off ceremonies have historical roots dating back to Scandinavian traditions, where a tree was placed atop a building to signify structural completion. Today, they serve as a symbolic moment in construction, often marking significant progress in a project’s development.
Clarendon County School District looks forward to the continued progress of Walker Gamble Elementary and the opportunities it will provide for students and the community.
