by Mollie DeBerry
With the Coronavirus replacing many graduation ceremonies with virtual Pomp and Circumstance, many families are feeling the moss of a significant ritual. Families are striving to make this time as memorable and meaningful as possible, despite the overwhelming interruption of a Worldwide Pandemic. Having dedicated my professional career as an advocate for youth, I was determined to congratulate and motivate the youth of my very own family. As a concerned aunt, I was compelled to deliver change for my nephew, Remington Lee Dowe, a 2020 graduate of Roanoke Valley Christian School (RVCS) in grand style, in honor of all of his outstanding accomplishments.
Remington attends Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church and attended RVCS from Pre-K until graduating this year! His senior year accolades include being voted the male “School Superlative” for exemplifying the core values of the school, and received the following awards: Principal, Fruit of the Spirit, Distinguished Christian High School Student, Speech and Drama, High G.P.A. and the Jefferson Cup. With such remarkable achievements, Remington was deserving of a grand Parade filled with Pomp and Circumstance!
Therefore, as Grand Marshal of the parade, with the help of a dear friend Carla Terry, his parents and a host of other family and friends rolled out the red carpet in order to make this day a grand event, kicking off with a parade through the Roanoke Valley, 2 motivational speakers: Jonathan Pate, Branch Executive of the Family YMCA Gainesboro, and David Baylor, teacher on Administrative Assignment for Noel C. Taylor Academy; photographer, Angela Penn; entertainer, Gary Bannister; caterer, Jeannie McCadden; dancer Kennedy Worrell and much more.
Remington is the proud son of Richard and Deidra Dowe and grandson of Barbara Brooks, Gloria Dowe and Leonard Dowe.
Remington and the family appreciate all who took part in the celebration held Saturday, June 6, making his dreams become a Virtual Reality at a time when we have to Shelter-in-Place and the outside world feels the unbearable plight of Black Lives Matter.
