Post #8: Divided and United

3/20/2020

I had the honor of joining the Leadership County Chamber of Commerce Executive Forum in early March. This program was designed as a two and a half day crash course on the economy, government, military, history, and future of Columbia County and the region. Being new to the area, it was also a great chance for me to meet and network with other civic and business leaders across the CSRA.

I was impressed by the commitment of leaders in the area to market the CSRA as an economic unit. Augusta is not a large city, and there are no large cities in Columbia County, so it is critical the diverse region is marketed to new businesses as a whole. Prep serves students from all over the CSRA (scroll down to read post #4) and so we are an asset to this economic unit.

While this regional economic unity is impressive, I have learned of some problematic divisions within the area:

Natives vs. NFAs (Not From Augusta)

UGA vs. GT

Richmond County vs. Columbia County

Downtown vs. Suburbs

Augusta (GA) vs. North Augusta (SC)

Tradition vs. Innovation

Willie Jewell’s BBQ vs. Sconyers BBQ

So, how might we as a school community overcome such local distinctions that might divide us? First, I hope we remain focused on providing the best education in the region for our students. Second, I hope we remain focused on the mission (see post #4) as it is unique in the CSRA and it is what unites us.

Our diversity is a strength (much has been written recently on the value of diversity in business organizations)--I hope we can all stay focused on what unites us in an era that has seen our nation become more and more divided. WE ARE CAVALIERS!

Addendum: Yet another force has attempted to divide us since I first had the idea and drafted this blog post: the COVID-19 global pandemic. While we are temporarily physically separate, I hope you and your loved ones stay healthy and safe!

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Augusta Preparatory Day School

285 Flowing Wells Road, Martinez, GA 30907

(706) 863-1906
(855) 898-9588

Augusta Preparatory Day School is an independent, college preparatory school serving children ages 2 through Grade 12 from the greater Augusta-Aiken area. Augusta Prep seeks to enroll a group of diverse students. We follow an open admission policy, whereby qualified candidates are admitted without regard to religion, race, nationality, economic background, or ethnic origin.