Office of the Superintendent

372 West Duval Street

Lake City, Florida 32055-3990
(386) 755-8003
carswella@columbiak12.com
www.columbiak12.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Columbia County Schools Mourns the Tragic Loss of a Beloved
Student [Columbia County, August 25th, 2023] -

The Columbia County Schools family is deeply saddened by the untimely passing of one of our
cherished students. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her grieving family during this incredibly
difficult time. We stand together as a community, united in our sorrow and offering our unwavering
support.
As news of this senseless tragedy reached us, our hearts grew heavy with grief. The loss of a
young life is an indescribable pain that affects not only the immediate family but also the entire school
community. In light of this devastating event, we have taken immediate action to ensure that our
students and staff receive the support they need to navigate through this challenging period.
Counselors have been stationed at our schools to provide guidance and emotional support to
those affected by this heartbreaking loss. We understand that grief is a deeply personal experience, and
our dedicated team of professionals is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for
our students to express their emotions and seek solace.
Our priority is the well-being of our students and staff, and we will continue to provide
ongoing support as they navigate through this difficult time. We believe in the resilience of our
community, and together, we will find strength in unity. We encourage students, parents, and staff to
reach out to the counseling services available and to lean on one another during this period of
mourning. We will continue to provide updates and resources to the school community as we work
through this tragedy together.

About Columbia County Schools: Columbia County Schools is a leading public educational
institution dedicated to providing a nurturing and inclusive environment for students to thrive
academically, emotionally, and socially. With a commitment to excellence, we strive to empower our
students to become compassionate, creative, and resilient individuals who contribute positively to
society.

Accredited System Wide by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

An Equal Opportunity Employer Using Affirmative Action Guidelines