Paid for by Citizens for Colburn Committee. Authority John W. Phillips, Jr., Treasurer

Preston school gets new Maryland flag
By CLAY OWENS
Staff Writer - Star Democrat
January 30, 2005

PRESTON — Preston Elementary School has a new state flag, courtesy state senator Richard Colburn, R-37-Mid-Shore.

Colburn presented principal Joyce Schriver, Vice Principal John Lischner and members of the school’s Student Government Association and flag team with a new state flag to replace an old one the school had been flying for several years.

Schriver said Colburn was very eager to help when Lischner called his office and inquired how the school could obtain a new flag.

“He (Lischner) called Senator Colburn’s office a couple weeks ago and the senator called back promptly,” she said. “He was very nice to do this. We appreciate it very much.”

Funds for the new flag came from the state’s General Services Account and Colburn’s personal expense account. Colburn said it was a pleasure to provide the service for his constituents.

“Preston Elementary is a very good school. It is nationally recognized for its efforts (as a national Blue Ribbon School) and is very deserving of a new flag,” he said.

When he presented the flag to the school Friday, he took time to meet the students in the school’s SGA and flag team. He recognized several of them and knew most of their parents. He did have one request for the young students.

“You have to promise me when you’re old enough to run for the state Senate (25), you won’t run against me,” he joked.

Colburn also took time to explain the design of the flag and the significance of the Calvert and Crossland families, whose arms are on the state flag, in Maryland’s history. While doing this, he shared his personal feelings for the flag.

“I think we’re lucky because we have the prettiest state flag in the whole country,” he said.