HIGH SPRINGS ‒ Rain clouds rolled in, but spirits stayed high as the 48th Annual Pioneer Days Festival returned to downtown High Springs on May 10 and 11, 2025. Hosted by the High Springs Chamber of Commerce, the two-day celebration took place at and around the Farmers Market Pavilion. In spite of the rain, some people did venture out to enjoy the event.

Attendees enjoyed live music, an array of food and craft vendors, and reenactments that brought frontier history to life – including the ever-popular old west style shootout, staged with all the theatrical flair fans have come to expect. Kids had their own slice of the past to explore in the “Kid Corral,” while history buffs wandered the Heritage Village display showcasing pioneer tools, dress, and traditions.

Turnout was noticeably lighter than in years past, but thanks in part to the covered pavilion festivalgoers could dodge the on again, off again drizzle.

Pioneer Days has long been a fixture of spring in High Springs, offering a mix of education, entertainment, and old-fashioned fun. This year’s event marked nearly five decades of celebrating the area’s rich heritage.

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ALACHUA ‒ At the May 5, 2025, Alachua City Commission meeting, the date was memorialized with a Proclamation recognizing May 5 as “Gib Coerper Day.”

Longtime former Mayor Gilbert “Gib” Coerper was honored with a plaque for his dedication to civil service in his roles as Commissioner and Mayor over the past two decades. Heartfelt messages of gratitude and well-wishes were offered by current Commissioners and city staff.

Commissioner Dayna Williams noted that although Coerper will no longer be serving from behind the dais, his name is synonymous with the City of Alachua and she will affectionately refer to him as “Ambassador” from here on.

It was all smiles for Coerper as he shared a few reflections in turn. “The best thing that’s ever happened to me is moving here,” said Coerper. “It was never, ever a job for me.”

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CHUA – Two long-standing community traditions were on full display this past week in Alachua, as the A.L. Mebane Alumni hosted their quarterly fish fry and Color Me Culture brought another vibrant event to life at the historic Swick House.

The A.L. Mebane Hornet Alumni gathered at the Hal Brady Recreation Complex Gymnasium for their quarterly celebration, a tradition that continues to unite generations. The event featured a spread of fresh fish, bingo games, and prize giveaways, alongside shared stories that highlight the deep-rooted connections within the community.

Held every quarter, the fish fry offers an opportunity for community members to reconnect, reflect, and continue building a living archive of Alachua’s legacy. Details about future gatherings will be posted on the City of Alachua Recreation & Culture website and social media platforms.

Meanwhile, on Sunday evening, Color Me Culture hosted its latest community event at the City of Alachua’s Swick House. The organization, known for its uplifting and artistic programming, offered an evening of creativity, connection, and culture.

Color Me Culture describes its mission as creating inclusive spaces where people can gather to laugh, create, and share meaningful moments. The group emphasizes the healing power of art and aims to make everyday experiences more colorful and intentional.

Proceeds from Color Me Culture events help fund local youth art programs, with the goal of restoring art as a vital and empowering force in the community.

The next Color Me Culture event is expected in late July. Additional details will be announced through the City of Alachua and the organization’s social media pages.

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HAWTHORNE ‒ Melody Watson thought she was simply staying behind while her classmates went on a field trip. Instead, the 15-year-old sophomore at Hawthorne Middle/High School was surprised with a $40,000 scholarship during a school-wide assembly.

According to Alachua County Public Schools, Watson is one of only two students in the country selected this month to receive the BigFuture scholarship from the College Board, a national organization known for its college readiness programs and standardized testing. The scholarship is awarded to high school students in grades 10 through 12 who demonstrate a commitment to preparing for college and career success.

Stephanie Tate of the College Board delivered the news in front of a cheering crowd in the school auditorium. Several members of Watson’s family were also present for the surprise, though they had not been told why they were invited to the event.

“I won’t have to stress about where the money’s coming from and how I’m going to pay back any loans,” Watson said. “I can just attend college and pursue my dream career without those worries.”

That dream career is nursing. Watson is currently dual-enrolled at Santa Fe College while taking advanced courses at Hawthorne Middle/High. She plans to earn her Associate of Arts degree by the time she graduates high school, and then continue her education at the University of Florida to pursue a nursing degree.

“I’ve always wanted to help people and be there for them, and I feel like nursing would be perfect,” she said. “I also want to be in an environment where I can work with a group or one-on-one.”

Watson is also a participant in the TRIO Educational Talent Search program, offered through Santa Fe College. The program is designed to support students who will be the first in their families to attend college, providing resources such as academic advising, college tours, and financial aid information.

“Melody is an excellent student,” said Lindsey Ragsdale, TRIO coordinator. “She literally personifies everything you want in a student. She is driven, she is positive, and she is always willing to go above and beyond to reach her goals.”

Her mother, Latoya Roberson, said she was both surprised and thrilled by the announcement. She believes Melody’s achievement will set a powerful example for her six siblings.

“It’s a stepping stone,” Roberson said. “She’s showing them that if you apply yourself, you never know who’s watching.”

Hawthorne Principal John Green echoed the sentiment, calling Watson a deserving recipient of the scholarship.

“She’s an outstanding student,” Green said. “She pours a lot into her academic pursuits and is very focused on what she needs to do. She knows education is the pathway to what she wants to accomplish. We’re really, really proud of her.”

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