News Summary
The Beaufort Memorial Collins Birthing Center celebrated Father’s Day with the arrival of four newborns. New families were filled with joy as each baby was welcomed into the world, with special gifts for fathers to commemorate the occasion. This heartwarming event adds to the community’s spirit on a day meant for celebrating fathers.
Beaufort Welcomes Four Newborns on Father’s Day
The Beaufort Memorial Collins Birthing Center experienced a joyous occasion this Father’s Day as it celebrated the arrival of four newborns. Each of these little ones arrived in the early hours of the day, bringing new excitement to their families. The first baby, Angie Lopez Merida, was born to parents Dashli Merida and Mynor Lopez at 1:12 AM, with a weight of 8 pounds and 5 ounces. Following her, Celestine Smith made her entrance at 5:15 AM, weighing 7 pounds and 3 ounces, born to Beaufort residents Katherine and Mathew Smith.
The other two newborns arrived later in the day, with Sebastian Hunt being born at 8:32 AM to Okatie parents Danielle and Adam Hunt, weighing in at 8 pounds and 15 ounces. Finally, Yasbeth Esther Romero rounded out the festive day by arriving at 2:31 PM, born to Ridgeland parents Yamilet Hernandez and Ever Joel Romero Torres, weighing 7 pounds and 14 ounces. The birthing center staff expressed their joy over these new arrivals and the timing on such a significant day for fathers.
Special Touches to Celebrate Father’s Day
In a heartfelt gesture, the staff members of the birthing center, including LPN Donna Mixon and CST Merrick Murdaugh, created crocheted fishing gear to gift to the new fathers. This thoughtful act served as a unique way to honor the special day while welcoming newborns into the world.
Community Highlights
In addition to the celebrations at the birthing center, the local community has been active in various initiatives. The Hampton County School District recently honored its retiring teachers and staff during a ceremony on June 9, acknowledging their commitment and dedication to education over the years. Meanwhile, Allendale County Coroner Renique Riley-Spiller was named Coroner of the Year during the 2025 Coroner’s Association Annual Conference held on June 3. This acknowledgement is a testament to her service since 2019.
Educational and Community Programs
The Allendale-Hampton-Jasper Regional Libraries have begun hosting a series of events called SC Plants the Seed, focusing on literacy and healthy eating for families. This initiative aims to promote beneficial habits and provide useful resources for community members.
In noteworthy educational accomplishments, two students from Bluffton—Lauren Darling, who graduated cum laude in occupational science, and Gabi Marshall, who graduated summa cum laude in dance—were recognized by the University at Buffalo during their recent graduation ceremony. Additionally, Lucy Herrin from Bluffton and Maya Robinson from Hardeeville were named to the Spring 2025 Dean’s List at Valdosta State University for their academic excellence.
Empowering Future Healthcare Professionals
Furthermore, the PATH program at Beaufort Memorial is making strides in empowering high school seniors interested in healthcare careers. The initiative allows participants to gain real-world experience and clinical training. Supported by their mothers, Sabrina Cooler and Celless Anderson, the young women are taking significant steps toward advancing their futures in the healthcare field.
As Beaufort continues to flourish with new life, educational achievements, and community initiatives, the collective efforts of families, institutions, and local agencies showcase a committed spirit that enriches this vibrant community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Four New Babies Celebrate Father’s Day at Beaufort Memorial
CDC Changes COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations for Children and Pregnant Women
Additional Resources
- Bluffton Today: News from Around the South Carolina Lowcountry
- Wikipedia: Beaufort, South Carolina
- Your Island News: Like Mother, Like Daughter
- Google Search: Beaufort Memorial Hospital
- Island Packet: Beaufort News
- Google Scholar: South Carolina Education Initiatives
- Your Island News: Leaps Abound at the Collins Birthing Center
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Healthcare Initiatives in South Carolina
- WSAV: Beaufort Memorial Hospital Relaxes Visitor Restrictions
- Google News: Beaufort Community Initiatives
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
