Rock Hill, S.C. — During its regular business meeting on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, the Rock Hill School Board of Trustees approved a request to name the Welcome Center (main office) at Northwestern High School in honor of Mr. Samuel R. Foster, Sr., the school’s founding principal. The space will now be known as the Samuel Foster Welcome Center.
A public unveiling ceremony for the Samuel Foster Welcome Center will be held:
Friday, February 27, 2026
11:00 a.m.
Northwestern High School
The ceremony will include remarks from school and district leaders, members of the Foster family, and community representatives. Alumni, staff, and community members are invited to attend.
Mr. Foster is recognized for his extraordinary leadership during a pivotal period in South Carolina’s educational history. He was the first African American principal of a fully integrated public high school in the state and was entrusted with guiding schools through desegregation with integrity, courage, and fairness. As principal of Emmett Scott High School, he led the difficult transition during its closure and helped bridge relationships between students and families as they moved into newly integrated schools. In 1971, he became the first principal of Northwestern High School, where he established the school’s culture and commitment to excellence.
“Naming the Welcome Center in honor of Mr. Foster reflects his lifelong dedication to students, families, and the Rock Hill community,” said Mr. Michael Abraham, Principal. “This space represents the spirit of unity, leadership, and service that he modeled throughout his career.”
The Welcome Center serves as the primary point of entry for students, parents, and visitors, making it a fitting tribute to a leader who worked tirelessly to ensure schools were safe, welcoming, and grounded in fairness for all.
Mr. Foster’s legacy extends beyond education. He later served in district leadership and as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, where he was a key advocate for public education and helped advance major reforms benefiting students and teachers statewide.
The naming of the Samuel Foster Welcome Center stands as a lasting tribute to his leadership, service, and enduring impact on generations of students and the Rock Hill community.
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