Columbia, SC – Benjamin McConchie, a senior at SC Whitmore School (SCWS), a statewide online public charter high school, has balanced earning his high school diploma and competing in cycling internationally, on a high level.
McConchie started cycling in seventh grade and has started to travel internationally with cycling. At sixteen he joined a development team that has allowed him to race against some of the best cyclists in the world. SC Whitmore School’s flexible schedule has been a great fit for McConchie.
“I enrolled at SC Whitmore School because of the flexible attendance, which allowed me to travel to pursue high-level cycling,” said McConchie.
“It has been really easy for Ben to be able to access his classes truly from around the world,” said Charee McConchie, Ben McConchie’s mother. “Virtual [school] and riding the bike overseas both have given him the independence that you know I think is atypical for teenagers these days.”
McConchie’s school counselor Cameron DeLong said, “It has been such a privilege working with Ben over the past two years. Ben is a bright, respectful, and driven student who joined SCWS so that he could continue to excel in his academics and his cycling career. He has continued with his dual enrollment courses, is a top student in his class, a member of the National Honors Society, was accepted early to college, volunteers in his hometown, is a leader in Boys Scouts, works two jobs, and travels internationally to compete with his cycling team. To say that I am proud of Ben would be an understatement. He is a wonderful student and an excellent example of how SCWS’s flexible schedule can help students accomplish their dreams!”
SC Whitmore School Principal, Eboné Adams said, “We are so proud of Ben. He represents one of many reasons why SC Whitmore exists. His academic success is a true testament of his unwavering commitment to excellence in all aspects of his life. Despite the demands of his training schedule and travel commitments, he has continued to prioritize his studies and excel academically. Ben’s ability to balance his athletic pursuits with his academic responsibilities is truly commendable.”
McConchie plans to graduate from SC Whitmore School in June 2024 and attend the University of Virginia in the Fall.
SC Whitmore School Executive Director, Kim Dunbar said, “We are so excited to highlight one of our many outstanding students. Ben has been able to fulfill his dreams while getting a high level education. Due to SC Whitmore School’s flexibility Ben is able to continue as a cyclist and earn his high school diploma that has led to his acceptance at the University of Virginia. We are so proud of all of his accomplishments.”
Ben, we are very proud of your accomplishments! We look forward to your future success!