I try not to write my columns in response to local news—I aim to stay as neutral as possible. But I can’t, in good faith, remain silent about the potential closure of Ellerbe Middle School.
Yes, I’m once again speaking out, but this time, I believe I have a fair point. If this is your first time reading one of my columns—hi, I’m Ana Corral, a Richmond County native who has lived in Ellerbe my entire life.
Some of my greatest educational memories were made at Ellerbe Middle School and Mineral Springs Elementary. Ellerbe may be a small town, but we are mighty. These early school years are foundational, and I hope Ellerbe families continue to have access to that experience.
Growing up, my parents insisted I ride the bus. It wasn’t my favorite part of the day, but because they grew up in the city, they instilled in me that free transportation was a privilege. Still, when I began attending Ninth Grade Academy, those long rides became exhausting. I was eager to get my license as soon as possible because the commute home grew longer, and my ability—and motivation—to study after school dwindled. Early mornings and late afternoons were taking a toll on my learning.
Some may argue I should have taken my studies more seriously, but spending nearly an hour and a half commuting each day wasn’t sustainable for me. If you do the math, that equals a total of 3 hours of commuting back and forth each day. Eventually, my parents began picking me up in the afternoons until I got my driver’s license. I share this because I hope younger students don’t have to face similar challenges at an even earlier age.
While I understand that transitions are sometimes necessary, we must protect what we have. Do I want more extracurricular opportunities and programs for Ellerbe’s children? Absolutely. But we can build those opportunities by investing in the schools already serving this community.
Although no final decision has been made, I think about the parents who may soon have to rearrange their lives—figuring out childcare, transportation, and new daily routines. I’m not a parent myself, so I know I may not fully grasp every challenge, but I hear your concerns, and I empathize.
So many memories and so much history live within those hallways. When I attended EMS, Melvin Ingram was my principal, and he went above and beyond for every student. He pushed us to reach our full potential. I also had teachers who changed my life in the best ways.
Educators are the backbone of our youth. They take on roles far beyond the classroom, and they show up for their students every single day. For that, they deserve our respect, and our support.
I truly hope this isn’t the end for Ellerbe Middle School. (Disclaimer: I completely understand that a study is being conducted and it does not mean a closure for now.) It deserves a fair chance—for our students, our families, and our community.