The Colleton County Education Association-Retired (CCEA-R), an affiliate of the South Carolina Education Association-Retired (SCEA-R) and the National Education Association-Retired (NEA-R), is an organization of public school retirees (administrators, teachers, teacher assistants, and others). Just as that of the SCEA-R, the CCEA-R members stay connected with other retired professionals by attending local retired association meetings where we fellowship with other retirees, volunteer with community service projects, participate in the SCEA-Retired Leadership/Membership Conference in August, participate in the SCEA-Retired Delegate Assembly in October, and attend the SCEA-Retired Annual Convention in April. Alongside the SCEA-R, we’re one of the organizations that continue to fight for public education and for public educators’ rights in retirement.
CCEA-R’s purpose is to support and show educators appreciation for their continued dedication to their profession and encourage continued support of the organization. Consequently, the CCEA-R is “back in full swing” as they launch their new year! They had a special meeting and celebration at Cracker Barrel earlier during the summer to begin planning an agenda for 2026-2027. Their theme for the year is “Community Presence,” and one of the most recent activities in which some of the members, Dr. Queenie L. Crawford, Minister Anna S.Bright, and Mr. Herman G. Bright, attended was the In His Name-Colleton Community Pantry Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony. Minister Bright is also a member of the IHN-Colleton Board. For their next meeting day, November 11, 2026, at 11:00 AM, they will be attending the Veterans Park Grand Opening. Please feel free to join them in support of the veterans. Each year, CCEA-R awards a scholarship to a deserving Colleton County High School student. This year’s recipient is Taylor Singleton, who is currently enrolled atthe University of South Carolina-Aiken.
The organization’s meetings are held from September-June on the first Thursday of each month, 10:00 AM, at the Colleton County Memorial Library on Hampton Street, unless otherwise specified. The2026-2027 officers are as follows: Co-Presidents, Dr. Queenie Crawford and Rev. Vera Bodison; Vice President, LCDR, USN (Ret.) Charles Armentrout; Secretary, Mrs. Margaret Roberts; Treasurer, Mrs.Gloristine Williams; Asst. Treasurer, Ms. Esther Black; and Chaplain, Mrs. Celia Price. The organization proudly thanks Commande Armentrout for three successful years of leadership. If any public school retirees are interested in becoming a member of CCEA-R, please contact Min. Anna Bright atannasbright56@gmail.com for further information.
