More than 100 students, teachers and parents attended Lowndes County’s first community-wide convocation on Mississippi University for Women’s campus Thursday night.
The county-wide convocation, orchestrated by the Education Committee of Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce, invited students from all schools within the county. Although the chamber helped organize the event, the program was led by rising high-school seniors who attended.
Last week, Cherie Labat, Columbus Municipal School District superintendent, suggested the idea of the convocation to the chamber.
The program began when West Lowndes High School ROTC presented the colors and Heritage Academy senior Zachary Brady sang the national anthem.
One-by-one, seven seniors came forward and prayed for multiple facets of their schools, including extra-curricular activities, students, support staff, teachers, school safety, parents and administration.
The inaugural program was designed to help bring Lowndes County students together, who are normally separated by schools, for a public recognition and socialization.
“We’re celebrating all students in the community,” Labat said. “We are focusing on their development and formation during this important time in their lives. The class of 2019 will be great leaders in the future. We are very proud of these students taking these leadership roles for the convocation. I feel it’s a great way of bringing our community together for the school year.”
Glenn Lautzenhiser, chairman of the chamber’s Education Committee, said with limited time, the chamber was able to put the program together just in time for the school year. The chamber has already dedicated time and planning for the class of 2020.
“This is a combination of a lot of hard work,” Lautzenhiser said. “It’s just an opportunity to recognize the class that’s graduating. Education is so important to this community and this state. The young people that are going to be graduating in May, they will be the doctors, lawyers, accountants, plumbers and professionals that we go to. That’s why we need to support them.”
Aundrea Self, of WCBI, emceed the program and gave students, teachers and parents a motivational speech and advice before the school year begins.
“We support you guys as seniors,” Chamber of Commerce President Lisa James told the students. “Always remember that Columbus and Lowndes County is your home. You always have a place here with us no matter what.”
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