Still Proud, Still Present: Reflections from the Parade Route

For twelve unforgettable years, I had the privilege of representing Limestone University at the South Carolina Peach Festival parade. It was more than just a community event. It was a celebration of school pride, shared history, and the relationships that made both Limestone and Gaffney feel like home.

Every summer, the streets would fill with familiar faces. Students, alumni, and local families lined the sidewalks while our float rolled by, usually filled with some of our incredible student-athletes. There were always cheers, waves, and that unmistakable feeling that we were all part of something bigger than ourselves. I was proud to represent the University in those moments. Proud of our students, our staff, our mission, and the legacy we were building together.

This year felt different.

Without Limestone’s presence in the parade, there was a noticeable absence. I missed being part of the tradition, and I wasn’t the only one. It’s hard to put into words just how meaningful those shared experiences can be until they are no longer there.

Still, I remain incredibly grateful for the memories, the friendships, and the years of meaningful connection. Being involved in events like the Peach Festival has always reminded me why community engagement matters. It’s about more than visibility. It’s about showing up, supporting others, and staying rooted in the things that matter most.

In the world of marketing and communications, we talk a lot about branding, strategy, and outreach. But at the core of it all is something simple and enduring: people. Showing up for your community. Investing in relationships. Building trust through consistency, presence, and heart.

As I look back, I’m reminded that the most powerful stories we tell aren’t always found in press releases or polished campaigns. Sometimes, they unfold on Main Street, under the summer sun, in the form of a wave, a smile, and the steady rhythm of a parade that brings people together.

And those are the stories that stay with us.