Columbus City Preparatory School for Boys Participates in Annual Tie-Tying Ceremony
September 12, 2022 -- A ceremony rich in tradition. The Columbus City Preparatory School for Boys (CCPSB) held its annual tie-tying event to welcome its scholars back into the classroom.
Since 2010, each young scholar has started their journey with this meaningful ceremony. The expectation of “Excellence” at CCPSB begins with building a sense of community. The wearing of a tie connects the scholars to the ideas of unity, brotherhood, and school pride.
“This is always a special occasion. This is my fourth year in Columbus City Schools, and I have been a part of every tie-tying ceremony,” said Area Superintendent Dr. Corey Grubbs.
The tie-tying ceremony encourages scholars to push themselves, exceed their studies and goals, and support their communities. Throughout the event, scholars connected and engaged with mentors and community partners, learning the importance of networking and maintaining working relationships throughout the school year.
“To have this community support to come out and be invested and be a part of the village, be a part of the community. It really shows the boys that they have more support than they think they do,” said CCPSB Principal Tai Cornute.
During the ceremony, community partner My Brother’s Keeper Village (MBK) passed out business cards to ceremony attendees. These fill-in business cards were then distributed to CCPSB scholars, complete with contact information, connecting them to community members. The message on the business card, “I’m a part of your village, and I’m tied to your success,” reminds scholars they are supported and empowered to succeed.
Local news station NBC4 was also at the ceremony, highlighting the tradition behind the event.
“One of MKB’s biggest focuses is secondary education. We are putting all our efforts into ensuring young black boys and students of color are going to school. Enriching not only the child but their families allows us the opportunity to provide access and resources to events taking place across the city,” said MKB Program Manager Jamar Harris.
Lining up excitedly, each scholar stood at attention, preparing for the opportunity to have their tie tied by one of the community partners in attendance. A symbolic gesture in which community partners and mentors commit to helping guide scholars to become responsible young men.
“I like having the tie-tying ceremony. It’s fun to be out here with all the community helpers and everybody from the school together. Being a scholar means striving for excellence and not accepting failure to be a thing in your life, and keep persevering,” said CCPSB eighth grade scholar Javier Napier.
The tie-tying ceremony has become a rite of passage for CCPSB scholars. As students transition into another school year, the designated school uniform consists of white or maroon oxford shirts embroidered with the CCPSB school crest and black pants. Additionally, CCPSB tie colors vary from grade to grade and coordinate well with the school uniform. Sixth grade scholars wear maroon colored ties, seventh graders wear black colored ties, and eighth grade scholars wear maroon and black striped ties.
“It takes our core values for scholars to be accountable, show respect, have integrity, be about service, and do everything with excellence. And what I love is that that takes place inside and outside the classroom,” said Cornute.