Halifax County Schools presented its first Trailblazer Award last week to Rev. Charles E. McCollum.

The award is presented to a person who paves the way for others to follow.

The evening also celebrated McCollum’s 80th birthday and highlighted his 47 years in the gospel ministry and his role as a civil rights activist in the community.

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Halifax County Board of Education Chair Joyce Lashley, Superintendent Eric Cunningham, board member James Mills, and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Tyrana Battle attended the legacy gala.

“Dr. McCollum has been an inspiration to the Halifax County School system and to the community at large,” Lashley said. “He has been a leader and strong supporter of all our students. We are grateful for his presence and all the doors he has helped open. It is with no doubt without his perseverance and tenacity we would not have come this far in our education system.”

Cunningham said, “Dr. McCollum has been such a light to the community and children of Halifax County, and we are so thankful for his unwavering support and unrelenting guidance that has helped in leading our path to success." 

Mill said, "Dr. McCollum is well-deserving of the HCS Trailblazer Award. Dr. McCollum has served the Halifax County Schools system in many ways such as being a board member, pastor to churches in the community, and advocate, which has brought a lot to Halifax County Schools.”