COLUMBIA, S.C. —Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union said it is now accepting applications for its fourth annual Teacher of the Game program, which recognizes South Carolina K-12 educators during University of South Carolina Gamecock football home games throughout the 2026 season.
According to Palmetto Citizens, the program is presented in partnership with Gamecock Athletics and is designed to honor outstanding teachers from across the state while highlighting the credit union’s longstanding ties to education.
“Palmetto Citizens’ story began with teachers coming together to support one another,” Emilie Lewis, the credit union’s director of community engagement, said in a statement. “That legacy of service and community continues to guide us today. The Teacher of the Game program is one way we honor our roots and express our gratitude for the vital role local educators play in shaping the future of our community.”
Who’s Eligible
Current full-time South Carolina K-12 teachers are eligible to apply through Oct. 1. Educators may nominate themselves by completing an application on the credit union’s website, according to Palmetto Citizens.
Each Teacher of the Game honoree will receive a $1,000 award from the credit union, four tickets to a designated Gamecock football home game and in-game recognition on the stadium scoreboard and public address system.
Palmetto Citizens said the program reflects its origins as Columbia Teachers Credit Union, which was founded 90 years ago by Midlands-area educators. The credit union said it continues to support education through the Palmetto Citizens Foundation and a variety of initiatives benefiting teachers, students and schools across South Carolina.
One of Several Related Efforts
The Teacher of the Game program, launched in 2023, is one of several education-focused efforts sponsored by the credit union.
Palmetto Citizens also said its annual back-to-school supply drive is underway through Aug. 9, with branches across South Carolina collecting new school supplies, including notebooks, pencils, crayons, markers and backpacks for local students.
In addition, applications remain open through September for the Palmetto Citizens Foundation’s Teacher Grants Program, which provides funding for classroom projects and other educational needs, according to the credit union.
