The Putnam County School District came together on February 28th for an unforgettable Black History Month Celebration at the C.L. Overturf, Jr. District Center Auditorium. This year’s theme, "African Americans and Labor," honored the profound contributions of African Americans in shaping the workforce and our community.
The event opened with a warm welcome from Shree Clayton, ELL Support Leader, followed by opening remarks from Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency. Throughout the celebration, attendees experienced an inspiring lineup of performances, speakers, and student showcases.
One of the event’s standout features was the engaging and educational Wax Museum, where students portrayed notable African American figures, both national and local. Participating students included Middleton-Burney Elementary School’s Kylie Thomas, Eva Garcia, Charli Blackwelder, Yenelin Ramirez, and Ardarius Williams. Students from the Children’s Reading Center Charter School—Madison Nealy, Jayla Wright, Jarvis Wright, Jordyn Jones, and Derrick Williams—also brought history to life. Moseley Elementary School students, including Trinity Chandler, Messiah Dennis, Legacy Mack, Amiya Long, Jah’vier, DNyla Hardy, and Kaidyn Player, combined their Wax Museum presentation with a dance performance of “I Love Who I Am.”
Additional highlights included a powerful dance performance by Putnam Academy of Art & Sciences students, a moving presentation from the promising Class of 1970 and the Class of 1965, and remarks from Attorney Terrill Hill, the event’s sponsor. Shree Clayton also led a segment highlighting African American fraternities and sororities, and the event featured a creative and lively Soul Train Fashion Show with students from Middleton-Burney Elementary School and the African American Cultural Council Arts program.
The celebration also included a slideshow showcasing Black History Month activities from around the district. The event concluded with closing remarks from Ashley McCool, Executive Director of Federal Programs.
In addition to the live audience, the event was live-streamed, allowing classrooms across the district to participate virtually and join in this celebration of culture and history. If you missed the live event or want to experience it again, you can watch the full recording here: Watch the Black History Month Celebration.
A special thank you to the School Food Service Department, led by Nikki Hawthorne and her team, for providing a delicious lunch for all attendees. Their dedication helped create a warm and welcoming environment for students, staff, and community members alike.
This event would not have been possible without the dedication and support of many contributors, including:
Attorney Terrill Hill
Nikki Hawthorne & the PCSD Food Service Team
Black History Month School Liaisons
PCSD Department of Federal Programs Team
PCSD Black History Month Planning Committee
The Forman Way Photography & Events
Sunshine Nealy - SignGypsies Putnam County
We invite you to take a look at the event’s photo gallery and relive the memorable moments: Black History Month Celebration Photo Gallery.
PCSD remains committed to honoring the rich history and cultural contributions of African Americans. Events like these not only educate but inspire our students and staff to continue striving for unity, progress, and excellence.
Thank you to everyone who made this celebration possible and to all who attended, both in person and virtually. Together, we shape the future by honoring the past.
#ProudtobePCSD