Columbia Fencing Team Tribute

Columbia Fencing Team Tribute Feb.27, 2017

I write this tribute admitting that I am biased: my daughter is a proud fencer; her weapon is epee. The Columbia Fencing Team stands out not only through their skill and tenaciousness but their diversity. Sitting in the bleachers and cheering the fencers on at Santelli’s and the State Championship, I reveled in one amazing truth: Columbia is the most diverse team of any in the State. It further dawned on me that every time they bout and take the A, B, or C strips, they represent the best values of our South Orange/Maplewood villages. Most if not all of us made the choice to live here because of its diversity and tolerance. We recognize difference, cherish it and draw our strength from this unique community. When Columbia High School fencers charge onto the tournament floor, so do our values in awesome display. The awesome beauty of racial, religious, gender and economic diversity is on full display. Black and White. Jew and Christian. Female and Male. Rich and not-so-rich. Further on display is not only the possibility but the reality of all this diversity working together as one and winning the day. Columbia High School Fencing consistently vies for best in the State. Their loyalty to one another is remarkable. No one leaves the floor until all have competed. Literally, no one is left behind. So too, our community. We struggle together to win the day. We rush in through our tolerance and respect where others fear to tread. We are a team; Columbia High School Fencing is our team. Let’s take our hats off and give them the respect they deserve. They awesomely represent the best in all of us.

THANK YOU COLUMBIA FENCING TEAM,

Kevin McClanahan (Jasmine's Dad)