Bells Elementary School, led by Principal Angel Ferguson, continues to make a powerful impact through its monthly club initiatives, which now include 18 student-led and staff-supported programs. Among these, the Young Men’s Club and the newly launched Princesses & Pearls Club are making waves by teaching students valuable life skills and building confidence in the classroom and beyond.
Organized by Diamond Berry, the clubs meet once per month, focusing on character development, etiquette, and life readiness. In the Princesses & Pearls Club, led by club coordinators Tiffany Brewer and Deidre Bamberg, young girls are learning the importance of being respectful, using proper manners, and carrying themselves with grace. Meanwhile, the Young Men’s Club, now in its second successful year and led by Jarrard Coleman and Jimmy Wiggins, teaches boys how to tie a tie, recite important contact information, and embrace what it means to be a gentleman.
Thanks to the generosity of over 30 community donors and sponsors from Colleton, Ruffin, and other surrounding communities, both clubs are fully funded and celebrated in style. Donations have provided free suits, ties, dresses, shirts, and shoes for participating students. Supporters also help host a grand end-of-year ceremony and secure a float for the annual Rice Festival Parade.
This year’s Princesses & Pearls ceremony was especially memorable. The girls performed a beautiful dance choreographed by Kadeana Swaby, captivating guests with their elegance and poise. Each girl also received a donated pearl set from Infinger’s Jewelry of Walterboro, and sponsors had the honor of “pinning or pearling” a student. Miss South Carolina 2023, Jada Samuel, served as the inspirational guest speaker for the event. A host of parents, families, staff members, district leaders, and community members were in attendance.
Special thanks go out to the many donors, including Carlos Hamlin of ACE Basin Photography, Ms. Angela Hodges, Clayso Wrice of Blooming Innovations 2, Victoria Outley of Cakefaced Beauty Bar, Jasmine Thomas & CCSD Dolls, Jacqueline Gilyard of Classy J’s Creation, Raquel Bryan & Josh Badger of Creative Cutz Barbershop, Angela Williams & Divine Haircare and Beauty, LLC, Valerie Ancrum of Do It All Events, LLC, Elegant Designs by Ronda, Faith Walterboro, Mrs. Gwendolyn Bamberg, Ms. Antionette LaShay Fryar, Karen Chisolm of Lovely K Nails, Mr. Melvin Mingo, Mr. & Mrs. Mack Thomas of Infinger’s Jewelry, Mt. Nebo United Methodist Church, Richard’s Heating & Air, Savannah Creek Baptist Church Missionary Society, Burley Black & Sentry Cleaners, Ms. Teresa Davis, The Petal Palace Florist, Walterboro Elks Lodge, Ms. Mary Jo Fox, and Zeta Phi Beta/Pi Theta Chapter.
Through these clubs, Bells Elementary continues to empower students with the social skills, confidence, and community support they need to succeed—one pearl and tie at a time.
