Gage Corbin, a junior at Columbia Early College High School, has been volunteering each morning to raise the flag in front of the auditorium since he joined CECHS two years ago. Gage is a member of the local Scout Troop 86, and this year, his brother Odis, a freshman and fellow Troop 86 member, has joined him in this responsibility. Through their involvement in the Scouts, Gage and Odis have learned how to properly raise, lower, fold, and when needed, retire a flag. The Scouts emphasize patriotism and civic responsibility, core values that are instilled in their members.
At Columbia Middle School, Austin Davenport, a senior at CECHS and a ROTC student, along with Preston Sexton, a sophomore and fellow ROTC student, assist with the daily flag duties. Austin, a former Scout, continues to apply the skills he learned, while the ROTC program at CECHS provides both students with training in flag drills and emphasizes core values such as loyalty, duty, selfless service, respect, honor, and personal courage.
It is truly inspiring to see these students demonstrate their patriotism and commitment to serving their school and community.