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Spoleto Festival USA Announces Free Simulcasts of Two Sold-Out Programs 

CHARLESTON, SC — May 6, 2026 — In response to overwhelming demand, Spoleto Festival USA, in partnership with SC250, will present free simulcasts of two sold-out Festival programs: An Evening with Ken Burns Presented by Bank of America and George + George. These special presentations create new opportunities for audiences to experience two of the Festival’s most anticipated events as part of the nationwide America 250 commemoration. 

Presented at the Charleston Visitor Center, the simulcasts extend access beyond the theater, inviting the public to gather in a shared civic setting for live screenings of programs that explore history, democracy, identity, and national reflection. Both events are part of Spoleto Festival USA’s America 250 programming and reflect a shared commitment to making meaningful artistic experiences available to broader audiences. 

An Evening with Ken Burns, Presented by Bank of America, is a luminous celebration of America’s 250th year featuring the acclaimed filmmaker in a live program reflecting on the struggles and ideals that shaped a nation and transformed the world. Through sweeping music, vivid imagery, and Burns’s signature storytelling, the program draws from The American Revolution to illuminate both a war for independence and a revolution of ideas—an upheaval whose promises and contradictions still echo today. Part conversation, part concert, this narrative and musical meditation honors the spirit of independence and the enduring pursuit of the principles on which America was founded. 

George + George, a world premiere by Festival favorites Denis O’Hare and Lisa Peterson, is a comedic romp through the American Revolution that reimagines the founding era with sharp humor and theatrical flair. Set at Valley Forge in 1778, the inventive new work imagines George Washington rallying his troops by staging Joseph Addison’s Cato—despite a colonial ban on theater—only to face an unexpected twist when King George III learns of the production and decides to attend incognito. Blending satire, history, and questions of democracy and leadership, the work offers a timely and entertaining reflection on the ideals at the heart of the America 250 commemoration. 

“These simulcasts are a direct response to extraordinary public interest in these programs,” said Spoleto General Director and CEO Mena Mark Hanna. “We’re pleased to work with SC250 to create new ways for audiences to participate in these important conversations and to ensure these experiences can reach beyond the walls of the performance venue.” 

As South Carolina’s official commission assigned to encourage and promote the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution,SC250 is partnering with organizations across the state to support programs that engage communities in reflection on the nation’s history, ideals, and evolving story. The Spoleto Festival’s simulcasts are funded in large part through a grant from SC250. 

“Charleston is a place where history is not only remembered but actively experienced, and these simulcasts carry that legacy forward,” said Marissa Sams, Executive Director of SC250 Charleston. “Together with Spoleto Festival USA, we are proud to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary through cultural programming that will now be available to the wider public.” 

By pairing artistic excellence with accessibility, the simulcasts underscore a shared commitment to civic dialogue, cultural reflection, and public engagement at a pivotal national moment. 

Simulcast Details 
Simulcast of An Evening with Ken Burns,Presented by Bank of America 
Wednesday, May 27 at 8:00 p.m. 
Charleston Visitor Center 
Free 

Simulcast of George + George 
Saturday, May 30 at 5:00 p.m. 
Charleston Visitor Center 
Free 

Tickets and information are now available at spoletousa.org. 

SPOLETO FESTIVAL USA 

Spoleto Festival USA was founded in 1977 by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Gian Carlo Menotti, who sought to create an American counterpart to the annual Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy, which he had founded in 1958. Spoleto Festival USA is internationally recognized as America’s premier performing arts festival. For 17 days and nights each spring, Spoleto Festival USA fills Charleston’s historic theaters, churches, and outdoor spaces with performances in opera; theater; dance; andchamber, symphonic, choral, and jazz music. With General Director & CEO Mena Mark Hanna at its helm, the 2026 season takes place from May 22 to June 7 in various locations throughout Charleston. Spoleto Festival USA is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. 

SC250 CHARLESTON 
SC250 Charleston is the Charleston-area’s official commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, honoring its rich history while inspiring future generations. The people of Charleston played a crucial role in the American Revolution and in the advancement of our nation’s ideals. SC250 Charleston’s mission is to explore their myriad stories, and to educate and inspire the public through commemorative events and educational programs so that everyone may rightly see themselves as a part of America’s story. Through a series of events, programs, and community initiatives, SC250 Charleston brings together residents, visitors, historians, artists, and cultural leaders to reflect on Charleston’s past, celebrate its present, and shape its future. For more information about SC250 Charleston, visit sc250charleston.org 

SC AMERICAN REVOLUTION SESTERCENTENNIAL COMMISSION (SC250) 
Within the last few years, the South Carolina American Revolution SestercentennialCommission (SC250) has awarded more than $11 million in grants across the state with upward of $4 million distributed to Charleston-area organizations. Since the Commission’sinception, a significant portion of its grant funds have focused on historic Revolutionary era site preservation and interpretation, including, for example, the locations of the Battle of Parker’s Ferry in Colleton County, Eutaw Springs in Orangeburg County, and Fort Fair Lawn in Berkeley County. For more information on the South Carolina American RevolutionSestercentennial Commission (SC250), visit southcarolina250.com. 

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The Citadel Alumni Association, or CAA, welcomed Distinguished Alumni to campus for special recognition events on February 27, honoring those who took what they learned inside the barracks and put it to work in the world.

Since the first six cadets received their diplomas in 1846, The Citadel has graduated more than 62,000 alumni. Of those, a small number have been named “Distinguished Alumni” by the CAA — individuals whose careers reflect not just personal success, but the kind of leadership and impact the school was built to produce.

“These alumni have carried The Citadel’s values into every corner of the world and into every imaginable walk of life, and we are honored to welcome them home,” said Todd Davis, president of The Citadel Alumni Association and a member of the Class of 1985. “The CAA takes great pride in ensuring their achievements are recognized where they belong — on this campus, as part of the Long Gray Line.”

The nomination process is overseen by the CAA’s Distinguished Citadel Alumni Committee. To qualify, alumni must have demonstrated the kind of achievement that stands out — whether that means one defining moment or a career’s worth of contributions that added up to something significant.

The honorees don’t fit a single mold. Generals share the room with teachers, judges, executives and  public servants. What they have in common is less about what field they chose and more about how they showed up in it — as principled leaders and citizen-soldiers who are ready to do the work.

While the rain cancelled Friday’s parade, Distinguished Alumni and their guests gathered with CAA leadership at the Holliday Alumni Center. Each honoree received a certificate marking both their service to The Citadel and what they’ve accomplished since leaving it.

David Rawlinson, a graduate of the Class of 1998 and President and CEO of QVC Group, Inc., described it as a deeply humbling experience that reminded him of the institution’s role in his success.

“The Citadel is a place where I think, relative to the average institution, you live history every day. And part of the history is the people who have gone through the community and done well. And the fact that there are so many people who have not just done well, but they’ve done good in really inspiring ways. To be put on a list that includes those people, some of the best people to ever step foot on this campus, is deeply humbling,” said Rawlinson. “The other thing I’d say is it’s a reminder of the unbelievably critical role The Citadel played in my success. And I think it’s easy to get some distance and to forget just how formative the time here was. I mean, it really is a unique leadership laboratory.”

The Distinguished Alumni program is more than a list of names. The biographies of honorees trace the arc of American history itself — through wars, social change, technological transformation and civic progress.

To view the full list of Distinguished Alumni and their biographies, visit the CAA website.

Source: The Citadel Today

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Cover Photo Credit: The Holliday Alumni Center on March 2, 2026 in Charleston, South Carolina.(Ed Wray/The Citadel).

By Mark A Leon

Dr. Alex Rich arrived at the Gibbes Museum of Art with a clear mission: to honor the institution’s long Southern legacy while broadening its appeal and educational reach. In his first year as President and CEO, Rich has already moved decisively to put that vision into practice, and his inaugural project—a focused exhibition of Auguste Rodin sculptures—serves as a useful lens on his leadership style, curatorial priorities, and plans for growth.

A scholar who describes himself as “the professor” at heart, Rich came to museum work from an academic background and a strong belief in public-facing education. He told us that stepping away from a tenure-track role and into the museum world was driven by a desire to make art both “educational and fun.” That dual orientation—rigorous scholarship paired with broad accessibility—has shaped every major decision he’s made since arriving in Charleston. Rich’s early months were marked by rapid immersion into the Gibbes’ history and collection; during his finalist interview he had his first visit to the museum, and that initial encounter sparked the Rodin idea: “One of the first things I thought was a Rodin would look really great right there in the transept,” he said, imagining a powerful silhouette greeting visitors as they entered.

The Rodin exhibition is notable for its fast turnaround and for how it leverages relationships to accelerate institutional ambitions. Rich drew on a prior long-term loan relationship with the Cantor Foundation from his previous museum position to bring the sculptures to the Gibbes. He described the project’s intent succinctly: Rodin functions as an immediate, recognizable draw—“you walk into a museum, you see Rodin sculptures, and you know that you are in a great museum”—while also acting as a bridge to the museum’s regional strengths. The exhibition’s layout reflects this thinking. Rather than forcing a single path, Rich and his team designed multiple entry points—three Shades on the ground floor paired with a larger upstairs presentation—so visitors can start anywhere and still receive a layered, coherent narrative. “You really can start anywhere,” he explained, noting that the curatorial texts are tailored for each room to create distinct but complementary experiences.

Rich’s leadership philosophy is grounded in five pillars he uses to describe the Gibbes: scholarly, educational, unique, aspirational and accessible. These words are not aspirational slogans alone; they inform programming choices and institutional priorities. The museum’s regional identity—its 170-year focus on American art told through a Southern lens—will remain central, Rich emphasized, even as the institution seeks a broader national profile. The challenge, he said, is “thread[ing] that needle finely”—holding on to the Gibbes’ particular mission while expanding its scope so it can be counted among the nation’s great art museums.

Community engagement and accessibility are core to Rich’s agenda. He wants the museum to be both a rigorous center for scholarship and a welcoming public space. He repeatedly framed the museum as a place for many kinds of encounters: refuge, education, and delight. “Everything we do has to meet two expectations. It has to be educational and it has to be fun,” he told us, a mantra that informs programming from family events to lectures and community workshops. That commitment is visible in current and recent initiatives—from community-created scroll installations to innovative pop-up events—designed to break down barriers and counteract the elitist tropes sometimes associated with museums.

The Rodin exhibition also illustrates Rich’s curatorial intent to use canonical work as an invitation to local discovery. By pairing Rodin with works by Charleston artists such as Leo Twiggs, the museum aims to convert the initial draw of a famous name into sustained engagement with local and regional art. “Visitors attracted by Rodin may leave having discovered Charleston artists,” Rich said, underlining the museum’s strategy to make every major show a portal to its permanent collection.

Looking ahead, the Gibbes’ expansion is perhaps the clearest indicator of Rich’s long-term priorities. A new wing scheduled to open in about a year will add more than 6,000 square feet to the museum’s footprint, including roughly 3,000 square feet of flexible galleries and a dedicated Center for Education on the ground floor. Rich stressed that the expansion is not merely about square footage; it’s a strategic investment in the museum’s educational mission and its capacity to serve a growing, diverse audience. The new ground floor education center will include multiple classrooms, dedicated early-childhood learning space, and areas for K–12 and adult programming—an explicit rebuttal to the trend of shrinking museum education departments. As Rich noted, the Gibbes was founded on education in 1858, and the expansion is a recommitment to that founding ideal.

For Rich, travel and study of other institutions inform innovation at home. He shared how recent visits, such as to the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art, offered insights on spatial flexibility and multi-entry exhibition strategies that resonated with the Gibbes’ own curatorial experiments. That openness to learning—combined with an ability to marshal relationships, act quickly, and center education—defines his early tenure.

In short, Dr. Alex Rich’s first year at the Gibbes has been about aligning legacy with ambition. By staging a high‑visibility Rodin installation, articulating clear institutional pillars, and advancing a significant expansion that places education at the center, he has signaled a roadmap for the museum: maintain its Southern identity, welcome a broad public, and build the infrastructure to educate generations to come. As he put it, museums should be places where people both “recharge and refresh”—and under his leadership, the Gibbes is positioning itself to be precisely that kind of place for Charleston and beyond.

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Fairies & Flowers Opens Memorial Day Weekend, May 22–July 12, 2026 — Free with General Admission

CHARLESTON, SC – Magnolia Plantation & Gardens announces Fairies & Flowers, a new summer exhibition featuring 20+ handcrafted fairy dwellings installed throughout the historic gardens by 30 Tri-County artists, on view May 22 through July 12, 2026. Opening Memorial Day Weekend, the exhibition is included with general garden admission.

Inspired by the beloved, long-running Wee Faerie Village at the Florence Griswold Museum in Connecticut, Fairies & Flowers was developed with guidance from their team — bringing a similar sense of fairy village wonder to the Charleston community and the historic landscape of Magnolia’s gardens.

Placed along winding garden paths and within the natural landscape, each miniature dwelling reflects its maker’s creativity, with intricate details and touches of storytelling that invite close looking and quiet discovery. A simple “Can you find?” prompt adds an interactive element at each location, making the exhibition an engaging experience for guests of all ages. Visitors may come across a fairy lighthouse tucked among the greenery near the Ashley River, a tiny bookshop and bakery, or even a miniature museum, spa, or quilt shop — each offering a glimpse into a small, imaginative world where nature and creativity meet.

Participating artists include a mix of established and emerging talent: Jenna York, 2024 Griffith-Reyburn Lowcountry Artist of the Year; Sheila Preston-Ford, president of the Summerville Artist Guild; Bartel Visser, who spent 25 years contributing to the Macy’s Flower Show at Herald Square in New York City; and members of the Charleston Garden Club. Students and faculty from the West Ashley Center for Advanced Studies and Charleston School of the Arts also contribute works to the exhibition.

“Magnolia has always been a place where nature invites imagination,” said Susan Shallo, CEO of Magnolia Plantation & Gardens. “Fairies & Flowers lets visitors slow down and find something extraordinary hiding in plain sight. We’re proud to showcase the creativity of artists from right here in the Tri-County area — and to give our guests a reason to look at these gardens through entirely new eyes.”

Admission

Adults: $32 (online) / $35 (in person)

Seniors (62+) & Military: $29

Children (5–13): $16

Ages 4 & under: Free (ticket required)

Open daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m., May 22–July 12, 2026

Tickets are available at the gate and online: https://www.magnoliaplantation.com/events/fairies-and-flowers 

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The Palmetto Medal recognizes exceptional performance reflecting great credit on The Citadel and the state of South Carolina. Established by the Board of Visitors, the award is presented to those whose service to the college or state is particularly noteworthy. With the exception of honorary degrees, the Palmetto Medal is the highest honor awarded by The Citadel.

Three individuals who embody the college’s definition of principled leaders were chosen for the honor this year. Members of the Board of Visitors presented the Palmetto Medal awards during a military Jeep review parade on March 21.

The citations for the award recipients are below.

Gerald V. Baysden, Class of 1971

The Citadel proudly bestowed the Palmetto Medal in December 2025 upon Mr. Gerald V. Baysden, Class of 1971, in recognition of his exceptional professional achievements, devoted service to his alma mater, and steadfast commitment to his community, state, and nation. Sadly, he would pass away in January 2026. His Palmetto Medal Award Citation reads:

Following his graduation from The Citadel and subsequent military service, Mr. Baysden embarked on a distinguished 45-year career in banking and financial services. Rising to senior vice president at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, he was known as a trusted advisor whose integrity and principled leadership guided families, businesses and charitable institutions.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Baysden gave generously of his time and talent to civic and charitable organizations across the Carolinas. His support for pediatric cancer initiatives and advocacy for families in crisis reflected a lifelong commitment to serving others.

Mr. Baysden’s devotion to The Citadel was equally profound. He served in leadership roles with the Charlotte Area Citadel Club and The Citadel Brigadier Foundation, and contributed significantly to athletics, scholarships and leader development. A member of The Citadel Legacy Society, the Society of 1842 and the Order of the Tartan, his philanthropy had a lasting impact.

For his distinguished career, steadfast service and embodiment of the values of honor, duty and respect, The Citadel proudly honors Gerald V. Baysden with the Palmetto Medal, presented earlier this year during a private family service before his untimely passing in January.

Cadet Lt. Col. Noah Miller

Cadet Noah l. Miller serves as the 2025-2026 regimental academic officer of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets. In this role, he provides leadership to 26 battalion and company academic officer groups and helps coordinate initiatives that support the academic success of the Corps.

Throughout his time at The Citadel, Cadet Miller has demonstrated extraordinary academic achievement and leadership. A double major in political science and English and a member of the Distinguished Scholars and Honors Programs, he has maintained a 4.0 GPA while balancing significant responsibilities.

His leadership extends beyond his regimental duties. He has served as president of the Honors Program, student advisory council and editor-in-chief of the Gold Star Journal, and he has supported cadet development through tutoring and mentorship. He also represented The Citadel as captain of the mock trial team, earning recognition for his preparation and professionalism in competition.

Cadet Miller is committed to service and the well-being of others through civic engagement in South Carolina and volunteer leadership on campus and in the community.

In recognition of his outstanding leadership, scholarly excellence and consistent service to The Citadel and South Carolina, the Board of Visitors proudly awards Cadet Noah Miller the 2026 Palmetto Medal.

Cadet Col. David Ropp

Cadet David Michael Ropp serves as The Citadel’s 2025-2026 regimental commander, the highest-ranking cadet in the South Carolina Corps of Cadets. He assumed this responsibility after progressing steadily through the ranks — from Echo Company clerk and company drill master to 5th battalion sergeant major and commander of the Junior Sword Arch.

Cadet Ropp has balanced significant leadership roles with a demanding academic schedule. An exercise science major with a chemistry minor and a member of the Honors Program, he has earned consistent recognition on the President’s List and Dean’s List, received gold stars and been selected for the Distinguished Scholars Program. He is also a member of the Summerall Guards.

Service plays a central role in Cadet Ropp’s leadership, particularly in the medical field he plans to enter. He has volunteered at the Medical University of South Carolina, completed extensive medical shadowing, worked in a medical office internship and participated in The Citadel’s Kenya medical camp in Nairobi, demonstrating his commitment to serving others.

In recognition of his outstanding leadership, academic excellence and dedicated service to The Citadel and the people of South Carolina, the Board of Visitors proudly awards Cadet David Ropp the 2026 Palmetto Medal.

Source: The Citadel Today

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(Charleston, SC) A public commemorative reading in the Great Hall of the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon will be held at 6:00 pm, Wednesday, May 20, 2026 of Henry Felder’s Declaration of Separation from the English King for the colony of South Carolina, on the anniversary of its first public address in 1776.  The 30 minute event will include the backstory of why the declaration was written by Mr. Felder and the cost suffered by him and his family as a result. 

An introduction by Felder descendant, Brian Eleazer, will precede the reading of the text by Henry Felder’s sixth great grandson, nationally known actor, director and writer, Clarence Felder, and members of his award-winning film and theater company, Actors’ Theater of South Carolina, followed by a short reception.

Swiss-German immigrant, Henry Felder, farmer, merchant, and foreman of the Orangeburg District British grand jury, suffered injustice along with other colonists, and finally reached a limit to his patience with corruption from magistrates in the judicial system in his district of Orangeburg, South Carolina. He expressed his grievances officially in an Address and Declaration of Separation from the English King on May 20th, 1776, to the Chief Justice of South Carolina, William Henry Drayton. The document was signed by Felder and eleven other members of his committee. The address was presented roughly five weeks before Thomas Jefferson delivered his first draft of the Declaration of Independence.

A portion of Felder’s Declaration is in the award-winning docudrama film, All For Liberty, which explores the journey of Henry Felder and his family in the War for American Independence. It stars Clarence Felder, supported by a large cast.  In the course of his journey as a statesman, Henry Felder became a captain, led a militia unit with his seven sons, was tasked by the provincial government to make gunpowder, gather funds, collect artillery and purchase cannon for the Continental army in South Carolina.

Joining Mr. Felder will be co-stars, wife, Chris Weatherhead, Michael Easler (who portrayed Governor Rutledge), actress, Karen DeLoach, and journalist, Mark Leon.

The event is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by Actors’ Theater of South Carolina and the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon. For further information, call producing director of Actors’ Theater of South Carolina, Chris Weatherhead-Felder, 843-697-9607, or email at: CCFelder@aol.com

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By Mark A. Leon

For 26 years, Carrie Knotts has shown up with quiet consistency—shaping young lives in the classroom, anchoring her family at home, and answering a calling rooted not in recognition, but in impact. As a middle school teacher at Thomas C. Cario Middle School in Mount Pleasant, she’s built a life defined by service, one that rarely pauses for the spotlight. That’s what made what happened next so extraordinary. Without her knowledge, 15 parents, colleagues, and family members came together to nominate her as a hometown hero, earning her a once-in-a-lifetime flight with the Blue Angels at Joint Base Charleston. For Carrie, the moment landed with more than excitement—it carried the full weight of a life spent giving to others, now reflected back in the most unforgettable way.

At her core, Carrie is an educator who has always made space for the students who don’t quite fit the mold. Over the course of a typical year, she reaches hundreds of middle schoolers, many of whom struggle in traditional classrooms. Her philosophy is simple but powerful: every student deserves a place to “light up.” Whether through hands-on building projects or immersive flight simulations, Carrie creates moments where curiosity takes over and confidence begins to grow.

One student’s story captures her impact. After engaging in a classroom flight simulation inspired by the Battle of Midway, he discovered a passion for aviation that is now shaping his future — including summer flight training and a potential career path. For Carrie, those moments are the real victories: when a door opens that a student didn’t even know existed.

That mindset didn’t come from nowhere. Carrie often reflects on the influence of her own teachers, especially a high school mentor whose warmth and enthusiasm left a lasting imprint. It’s a legacy she has carried forward — the belief that encouragement, given consistently and sincerely, can alter the course of a young person’s life.

But her story extends far beyond the classroom.

A mother of three, Carrie’s life has been equally shaped by family, faith, and resilience. Those closest to her describe a woman of quiet determination — someone who approaches life’s biggest decisions with intention and follows through with unwavering commitment. That steadiness was tested in 2020 when she was diagnosed with stage-two cancer, just as the world was shutting down due to COVID-19.

What followed was one of the most difficult chapters of her life. Carrie endured 13 rounds of chemotherapy, often attending treatments alone due to pandemic restrictions. As she put it, she remembers “walking in with all your stuff, going into battle, that alone, that was, that was hard.” The isolation was profound, the uncertainty constant. And yet, even in the midst of it, she found ways to remain connected — continuing her work in education through virtual check-ins, offering stability to students while navigating her own storm.

At home, her family became both her support system and her inspiration. Her children stepped up in remarkable ways, particularly her daughter, who took on added responsibility during an already vulnerable time. In the quiet moments between treatments and lockdown life, Carrie found strength not just in perseverance, but in togetherness — an unexpected gift during an otherwise isolating experience.

She emerged from that season changed, but not diminished. If anything, her sense of purpose deepened. She became even more committed to showing up for others: “I insist that they don’t do anything alone. I’m like, if you want me to go, I’m going because I know what it’s like to go to all those appointments by yourself.” Determined that no one in her orbit would ever feel alone in their hardest moments, Carrie now channels her experience into compassion and action.

So when the opportunity to fly with the Blue Angels surfaced — something she initially discovered almost by accident on social media — her reaction was disbelief. She didn’t see herself as someone who stood out. But to those around her, the nomination made perfect sense. It was a reflection of years of quiet influence, of lives touched, of a community rallying behind someone who had given so much.

The flight itself was nothing short of extraordinary.

Encircled by her parents, husband, and two sons, this was never a journey she took alone—it unfolded as a shared experience, marked by a powerful sense of togetherness that stretched from eager anticipation to quiet nerves. One of the most moving moments came just seconds after takeoff. As Carrie climbed swiftly to 8,000 feet with Blue Angels #7 Lt. Ronny Hafeza, piercing through the clouds, her mother—standing among media and military liaisons—watched with pride and emotion, tears slipping softly down her face.

Strapped into an F/A-18, Carrie experienced the raw intensity of high-performance flight — the crushing G-forces, the precision of each maneuver, the humbling awareness of just how much discipline and training it takes to make such power look effortless. There were moments of exhilaration and moments of physical challenge, including witnessing firsthand how the body responds under extreme conditions.

But even in the sky, Carrie remained who she has always been: a teacher.

She absorbed every detail, every lesson, already thinking about how to bring the experience back to her students. The physics of flight, the importance of preparation, the discipline behind the spectacle — it all became material for future classrooms. More importantly, the experience reinforced a message she has long shared: don’t close doors on possibilities.

For Carrie, the flight wasn’t about the thrill. It was about perspective.

It was about showing her students that extraordinary opportunities can come from unexpected places. That dreams are worth speaking out loud. That sometimes, the most remarkable moments in life come not from seeking recognition, but from simply doing the work — day in and day out — with heart, humility, and purpose.

In the end, Carrie Knotts didn’t just take to the skies over Charleston.

She carried with her the stories of every student she’s encouraged, every challenge she’s overcome, and every quiet act of dedication that led to that moment — a hometown hero, lifted not just by jet engines, but by a community that believes in her.

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By Mark A Leon

The Charleston Promise Neighborhood (CPN) stands as one of the Lowcountry’s most ambitious efforts to break cycles of poverty through education, health, and community investment. Rooted in collaboration and long-term vision, the organization has spent more than a decade working to reshape opportunity for children and families in some of the Charleston area’s most under-resourced neighborhoods.

Founded in 2010, Charleston Promise Neighborhood was inspired by the Harlem Children’s Zone, a nationally recognized initiative that emphasizes comprehensive, “cradle-to-career” support systems. From its inception, CPN was designed as a public-private partnership, bringing together the City of Charleston, the City of North Charleston, Charleston County, the Charleston County School District, and private philanthropic partners.  

The organization focuses on a 5.6-square-mile corridor known as “The Neck,” an area historically affected by limited access to quality education, healthcare, housing, and employment opportunities.   Its founding goal is both bold and measurable: to “transform the neighborhood within a generation” by ensuring that every child has a pathway to graduate high school and succeed in college, the workforce, or the military.  

At the heart of Charleston Promise Neighborhood is its mission to provide “comprehensive programs and services that support children, strengthen families, and mobilize residents to action.”   Rather than addressing challenges in isolation, CPN operates on the belief that a child’s success is shaped by interconnected factors—education, health, family stability, and community environment. This holistic approach drives everything from early childhood readiness initiatives to workforce development and leadership programs.

CPN’s work in the community is wide-ranging and deeply embedded. In schools, the organization supports academic achievement through expanded learning programs, including afterschool and summer enrichment that combine tutoring with creative and physical activities.   Beyond academics, health and wellness programs like KidsWell bring medical and behavioral care directly into schools, reducing barriers for families and helping students stay focused on learning.  

Equally important is family and community engagement. Workshops, advocacy training, and neighborhood partnerships empower parents and residents to take an active role in shaping their environment. CPN also connects students to future opportunities through career exposure, mentorship, and leadership development—efforts designed to align education with real-world pathways.  

More than a service provider, Charleston Promise Neighborhood functions as a connector—linking schools, healthcare providers, nonprofits, and families into a unified support system. Its long-term vision is to create a thriving, self-sustaining community where educational attainment rises, health outcomes improve, and generational poverty is no longer the norm.

For those interested in learning more or getting involved, visit the official website: Charleston Promise Neighborhood. Volunteer opportunities and community engagement details can be found here: Get Involved / Volunteer.

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By Mark A Leon

Charleston has never struggled to make a first impression. The skyline of church steeples, the rhythm of carriage wheels, the soft palette of Rainbow Row—it’s all part of a well-earned reputation. But the version of Charleston that stays with you long after you leave isn’t always the one on display. It’s the one you discover slowly, almost accidentally. The one that asks you to look a little closer.

Sometimes, that means quite literally looking up.

At Look Up Charleston Gift Emporium & Art Gallery, located at 128 Meeting Street, the city reveals itself through the hands of its artists. It’s not a place built for foot traffic—you have to choose to go there. And once you do, you’ll find a collection of 37 unique local artists and artisans whose work feels deeply personal: bold prints, handcrafted goods, and pieces that reflect Charleston not as a postcard, but as a lived experience. It’s the kind of place that quietly redefines what a souvenir can be.

That same sense of discovery carries through at 54 Broad Street, where The Commons opens into a courtyard that feels worlds away from downtown. Sunlight filters in, landing softly on ceramics, textiles, and carefully chosen objects. There’s no rush here. It’s a space designed for lingering, for reconsidering what beauty looks like in the everyday.

Art, in Charleston, isn’t confined to walls—it’s part of the conversation. At Robert Lange Studios, that conversation is happening in real time. Artists paint just feet away from visitors, blurring the line between observer and participant. A few blocks away, Lowcountry Artists Gallery offers something equally rare: a direct connection to the creators themselves. Here, the person who made the piece is often the one handing it to you, sharing the story behind every brushstroke.

Of course, Charleston’s soul isn’t just found in galleries—it’s tasted, too.

There’s nothing polished about Bertha’s Kitchen (2332 Meeting Street Road, North Charleston), and that’s precisely the point. A James Beard–recognized institution, it serves food that feels rooted in memory—fried chicken, lima beans, cornbread—each dish carrying the weight of tradition and community. It’s not designed for trend cycles or social media moments. It’s built on something far more lasting.

Not far away, a different kind of discovery awaits inside Exchange Factor. Here, style isn’t curated—it’s uncovered. Racks of vintage clothing stretch across decades, inviting you to dig, to search, to find something that feels entirely your own. It’s less about shopping and more about the thrill of the unexpected.

Back downtown, the day softens into evening, and Charleston reveals yet another layer. At The Archer, the lighting is low, the cocktails are precise, and the mood is quietly confident. It’s the kind of place locals slip into when they want something elevated without the spectacle. Nearby, tucked inside Hotel Emeline, Frannie & The Fox hums with a different energy—warm, lively, and just a little transportive. Beneath string lights and open sky, it feels less like a restaurant and more like a gathering.

Even in the more familiar parts of the city, there are layers waiting to be noticed. Croghan’s Jewel Box has been part of King Street for generations, but step inside and it becomes something more than a storefront. It’s a place where history is worn, gifted, and passed down—where craftsmanship carries the weight of time.

And then there are the spaces that ask nothing of you at all.

Philadelphia Alley is easy to overlook, shaded and quiet, its cobblestones holding centuries of stories. There are no displays, no menus, no invitations to buy or browse. Just a moment of stillness in a city that knows how to move—and how to pause.

This is the Charleston you almost miss. Not because it’s hidden, exactly, but because it doesn’t insist on being seen. It exists in second-floor galleries, behind unmarked doors, and in the spaces between destinations.

And more often than not, it’s where the city feels most like itself.

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Boeing and Biman Bangladesh Airlines announce the national carrier has placed its largest-ever order, selecting 14 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX airplanes to expand and modernize its fleet.

• Bangladeshi flag carrier to fly the entire 787 family with first 787-10 purchase
• 737 operator places first 737 MAX order to modernize its single-aisle fleet

DHAKA, Bangladesh, April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Biman Bangladesh Airlines announced today the national carrier has placed its largest-ever order, selecting 14 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX airplanes to expand and modernize its fleet.

The new order includes:

• Eight 787-10s, Biman’s first order of the largest 787 variant, to serve high-demand flights to the Middle East
• Two 787-9s to support long-haul service to Europe and North America
• Four 737-8s, the airline’s first 737 MAX order, to efficiently connect Bangladesh with destinations across the Middle East, India and Southeast Asia

“The new fuel-efficient, technologically advanced aircraft will modernize Biman’s fleet, sharpen operational performance, and extend its international route network — strengthening Bangladesh’s position in the global aviation market,” said Kaizer Sohel Ahmed, Managing Director and CEO of Biman Bangladesh Airlines.

Biman currently operates a fleet of 14 Boeing airplanes – 787-9s, 787-8s, 777s and Next-Generation 737s – on its long-haul and short-haul international networks. The airline will boost passenger and cargo capacity while improving fuel efficiency with the 787-10, which offers the lowest cost per seat of any widebody airplane.

The 737-8 will support Biman’s single-aisle fleet renewal and help the carrier meet growing regional demand. The 737 MAX and 787 families deliver 20-25% fuel-use improvement compared to the airplanes they replace.

“We are proud to build on our partnership with Biman with this order and support their strategy to modernize their fleet, expand their network and enhance the passenger experience,” said Paul Righi, Boeing vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing, Eurasia, India and South Asia. “The 787-10 delivers unmatched efficiency and seamless commonality with Biman’s existing 787s, while the 737-8 is the ideal bridge from their 737 fleet with its versatility, fuel savings and crew commonality.”

The 787-10, like the 787-9 and 787-8, offers passengers a comfortable cabin experience with the largest windows of any widebody jet, air that is less dry and pressurized at a lower cabin altitude, and technology that senses and counters turbulence for a smoother ride.

Biman currently flies from Dhaka, Bangladesh, to 22 international destinations, including major hubs in the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia, and Europe. The airline’s longest route is the service to Toronto via Istanbul on a 787-9.

Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook projects South Asia’s widebody fleet will more than triple over 20 years as the region’s carriers connect millions of travelers to international destinations across the Middle East, Europe and North America. With the region poised for significant air travel demand over the next two decades, Bangladesh will continue to contribute to this growth.  

A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.  

Source: Boeing

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Photo Caption: Boeing and Biman Bangladesh Airlines announce the national carrier has placed its largest-ever order, selecting 14 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX airplanes to expand and modernize its fleet. Pictured and seated left to right: Kaizer Sohel Ahmed, Managing Director & CEO of Biman Bangladesh Airlines; and Paul Righi, Boeing vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing, Eurasia, India and South Asia. Standing left to right are: Fahmida Akhter, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism; Md. Abdur Rahman Khan, Chairman, National Board of Revenue; Md. Mostakur Rahman, Governor of Bangladesh Bank; Rumee A Hossain, Chairman, Biman Bangladesh Airlines; M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, Bangladesh; Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh; Afroza Khanam Rita, Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, Bangladesh; Humayun Kabir, Advisor to the Prime Minister; Brent T. Christensen, U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh; Kaanthi Bhuvanagiri, Commercial Sales Director, India and South Asia; and Asad Alam Siam, Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.