Palm Coast’s own K’imani Gervin-McCoy had the honor of performing the Star-Spangled Banner on Tuesday before the Florida state legislature at the opening session of the 2024 legislative season. She was invited to perform by Paul Renner, the Speaker of the Florida House who represents Flagler County in Tallahassee.
A release sent out by a Flagler Schools spokesperson says Renner was made aware of Gervin-McCoy’s talents by Flagler School Board Chair Will Furry, a political ally of Renner’s dating back to his own initial campaign in 2022. Renner made the necessary arrangements for Gervin-McCoy to do the honors, leaving all remaining organizing up the school district.
L-R: House Speaker Paul Renner, K’imani Gervin-McCoy, Gervin-McCoy’s mother, and Flagler Schools Director of Teaching & Learning Jeffrey Reaves. ⓒ Flagler Schools
Gervin-McCoy was given special permission to miss class for the trip to Tallahassee, and was accompanied by her mother and by Flagler Schools Director of Teaching & Learning Jeffrey Reaves. The session was called to order at 10:00 am on Tuesday, and the opening ceremonies were the first order of business. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, the colors were presented, and then Renner gave Gervin-McCoy her cue.
The performance was lauded with unanimous praise, and the young singer was given a 29-second standing ovation. “If you think that was good, you should hear her sing Whitney Houston,” Renner remarked after the thunderous applause subsided. He refers to Gervin-McCoy’s experiences at other local showcases in Flagler County, including the Spotlight on Youth Talent Show at the Flagler Auditorium.
