Coosa Elementary honors military while celebrating America’s 250th birthday

BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. (WTOC) - The halls of Coosa Elementary School in Beaufort buzzed with excitement and patriotic spirit as students and faculty gathered for a day that would honor both America’s rich history and the men and women who have served their country.

As one of the schools with the highest concentrations of military families in South Carolina, Coosa Elementary found the perfect opportunity to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday while recognizing the sacrifices and leadership of military personnel—many of whom have children in the school.

“This is just a great opportunity to honor them and to recognize their important service to our country and show how much we appreciate them,” Beaufort County Superintendent Dr. Frank Rodriguez said.

Adding to the significance of the day, South Carolina State Superintendent Ellen Weaver made the trip to Beaufort to speak with students about South Carolina’s pivotal role in the founding of the United States, particularly during the Revolutionary War.

The visit underscored an important message Weaver hopes to instill in South Carolina’s youth.

“I want our students to know that history, to embrace that history, and most importantly, to see themselves in that history. The story of America is their story,” Weaver explained.

Students were thrilled to welcome the state superintendent, with some greeting her at the door before the celebration kicked off.

The atmosphere combined educational opportunity with genuine celebration, as students sang out “Happy Birthday to America” alongside their peers.

For students like Jonah Bissell, the day held deep personal meaning. Watching his military parents recognized in front of his classmates reinforced the values he sees in them every day.

“I see my mom and dad as very good leaders and still leading people to success,” Jonah said.

Inspired by his family’s service, Jonah plans to follow in his father’s footsteps and join the military—a decision shaped by the examples set by his parents and reinforced by events like this celebration.

During her time in Beaufort County, Superintendent Weaver also discussed the state’s educational initiatives and progress.

The South Carolina Department of Education has set an ambitious goal: ensuring that at least 75 percent of students test at or above grade level by 2030.

According to Weaver, the results so far are encouraging.

Students are showing measurable improvement in English Language Arts, and the state is beginning to see gains in mathematics as well.

“Our teachers are doing incredible work in our classrooms every day,” Weaver said. “Our students are creative, capable, and every bit as smart as any student anywhere. When we have high expectations and pair that with high support, see them achieve that full potential every day.”

The visit to Coosa Elementary was just one stop on Superintendent Weaver’s tour of the Lowcountry.

Following her time in Beaufort County, she traveled to Jasper County to continue conversations with students about another state educational priority: career readiness.