Columbia Elementary celebrates 20th anniversary
MADISON – How time flies . . . especially for a high-flying elementary school named ‘Columbia’ for ties to aerospace and its mascot/motto, the ‘Astros’ or “Always Striving To Reach Our Stars.” Columbia observed its birthday with its “20 Year Celebration” on April 17.
Columbia is one of seven elementaries in Madison City Schools. Since opening in 2004, Columbia has seen rapidly growing enrollment to approximately 800 students in grades K-5, according to Principal Miranda Bolden who has led the school since 2022.
The event started with opening remarks from Bolden. The Columbia 20th Celebration Choir sang “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield, Daniele Brisebois and Wayne Rodriguez. Dennis James, Columbia’s first principal who served from 2004-2011, then gave his “Virtual ASTRO Message.”
The next two segments involved testimonials. Hattie Harvard, currently a student at Columbia, spoke about her experiences. Kayla Herwig, a former Columbia student, discussed her time on campus. Following a video presentation, Harvard and Herwig entertained with a musical number.
“We also ‘unveiled’ our school song for the first time,” Bolden said.
After the program, guests enjoyed cake and punch while reconnecting with former colleagues and friends. Many people relived memories of their Columbia connection by walking down the halls and checking into classrooms.
Audra Loftin, the school’s music teacher, directed the Columbia 20th Celebration Choir. Singers included Kahlan Bourgeois, Skylee Bringhurst, Colton Brooks, Railynn Burrus, Logan Deutschendorf, Olivet Hall, Abby Cate Harris, Ariella Harris, Hattie Harvard, Amelia Hicks, Kate Jetton, Henderson Krausz, Madeline Madden, Julie Roe, Collin Smith, Sarah-Kate Vess and Charlotte Walliser.
After Dennis James, Columbia’s principals have been Nelson Brown, 2011-2012; Mark McCroy, 2012-2014; Jamie Hill, 2014-2021; and Bolden.
MAAPs or Madison Aspiring Assistant Principals who have served at Columbia are Lisa Grice, 20172019; Jessica Pinegar, 2022-2023; Kelcie Thomas, 2023-2024; and Kara Lawrence, 2024 to present.
Columbia’s Assistant Principals have included Dr. Julie Finley, 2004-2005; Dionne Washington, 2005-2007; Nelson Brown, 2007-2011; Brett Chapman, 2011-2014; Brian Givens, 2014-2015; Laura Minor, 2015-2021; and Kimberly Massey, 2022 to present.
Columbia’s address is 667 Balch Road in Madison. For more information, call 256-430-2751, email webmaster-columbia@madisoncity. k12.al.us or visit ces.madisoncity. k12.al.us.
