Columbia High School conducted its 98th Annual Commencement on June 8 when 40 students received their high school diplomas, reported Dr. Travis Twiford, interim superintendent, who began work June 11. He will serve in this role until a new superintendent is selected by the Tyrrell County Board of Education.

Elizabeth Marie Price was the class valedictorian, and Cameron Ray Reynolds was the salutatorian. Class President Elizabeth Suter prayed the invocation. State Senator Erica Smith gave the Commencement address. Gabriella Crail, President of the Columbia Rotary Club, presented the Citizenship Cup Award. Shamira Jones prayed the benediction.

The Kinder Swim program was held June 11-15 at the Eastern 4-H Center at Bulls Bay. Approximately 35 kindergarten students were given basic water safety instruction and introductory swimming lessons. The program was funded through a grant from the Chowan Hospital Foundation.

Students at Tyrrell Elementary and Columbia Middle schools took early summer administration of end-of-grade tests June 12-14. On June 14-15, students at Columbia High School took end-of-course tests.

On June 15, the Tyrrell County Ministerial Association sponsored an End of the Year Luncheon. Service awards for Tyrrell County Schools employees were given and outstanding employees were recognized. Plaques were handed to Barbara Rhodes, Dianna Parker, Linda Norman, and Susan Smith, who all retired during the 2017-18 school year.

The Summer Children Are Tomorrow’s Strength (CATS) program began June 19 and will continue for 20 days. It is anticipated that approximately 170 students will be participating in these programs.

The Tyrrell County Schools Maintenance Department, led by Doug Patrick, will be busy this summer with several major projects to improve school facilities. The largest project is a major renovation of restrooms at Tyrrell Elementary and Columbia Middle schools.

The Child Nutrition Program will be providing free meals to any child 18 years old or younger this summer. Meals will be served at Tyrrell Elementary School and Columbia Middle-High School cafeteria. The meals will be served five days a week through June 29 and Monday-Thursday July 2-26. Breakfast hours are 7:45-9 a.m., with lunch being served from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.