SBC Life

Most of us know of the culture and traditions that make up C.E Byrd High School. As the school celebrated its centennial last year, the question that comes up isn't just about looking back, but about what is to come. As Byrd prepares for its bicentennial (200 years), how will Byrd continue  to honor its past stories while embarking on the future?

According to assistant principal Jana Panos, it is a balance of old and new. She sees a future where Byrd's academic offerings expand with the times. "I hope to see an increase in dual enrollment opportunities," she says. "The state is emphasizing it more, so I think we’ll see that trickle down to the school level." This  means to start focusing on college-level courses, like Advanced Placement (AP) and dual enrollment, these courses will continue to give students a head start on college while they are still walking through the halls of Byrd.

But those halls at Byrd are an essential part of the school's story. While new technology and academic programs are floating around, the building itself is the makeup of Byrd's identity. Whether it's the old brick stairs in the main building or the newer tile stairs in the science building. These small features are more than just historical details, they are physical reminders of the history that the new generations of students get to be a part of. 

The school's spirit is also evolving, bridging the gap between generations. Journalism teacher and Byrd alumni Breanne Saulsbury remembers a time before phones. "The way spirit evolved was different because we didn’t have phones, so we had to talk to each other a lot more," she recalls. Now, social media plays a powerful role in building excitement for our school, with students sharing their school pride on the internet to encourage other students to attend games and participate in events.

But that doesn't mean old traditions are gone forever. Ms. Panos is working to "bring back the victory flag and drum core." The victory flag, once proudly returned to the school after a football win, is a powerful symbol that extends school spirit beyond the field. It’s this blend of old and new social media posts and victory flags, modern classes and historic buildings that ensures the culture of Byrd will remain strong.

In 100 years, when Byrd celebrates its bicentennial, its culture will have hopefully stayed true to its core, while thriving in a new era. Because no matter the changes that are made, one thing will always be true no matter what. Once a Jacket, always a Jacket.