by Shawn Nowlin
In the Star City, memories are constantly being made.
For years, the Roanoke (VA) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. has partnered with the Gamma Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. to host the annual Samuel “Bo” Terry Tennis Tournament which was created to raise scholarship money for college freshmen.
Terry, a beloved community member and proud Kappa, tragically died four decades ago playing tennis at River’s Edge Park. His presence is still missed by many to this day.
For the last quarter-century, Lawrenceville native and UVA graduate Pink Wimbish has chaired the annual tournament. “When the original guy doing this moved to Atlanta, I was asked to replace him and it was an absolute no-brainer. I played tennis all throughout high school and even some in college. A lot of our tennis players have gotten too old to play, but still help the mission by making monetary donations,” Wimbish said.
He added, “It’s always made the most sense geographically for us to utilize the resources at Eureka Park. Other places simply wouldn’t work for a variety of reasons. This tournament is open to everyone. A massive thanks go to so many people because, without each and every one of them, I’m not sure if this opportunity would be available to students.”
From the start, it was clear that this year’s participants took the competition seriously. With a 6-4 score, Dominique Holland was named the Singles Champion with Jerome Hamm earning runner-up honors. Those two placed second to the eventual Doubles Champion winners, Kirby Spivey and Kenneth Wilkerson.
To be eligible for the $1,000 scholarship, applicants must be a graduating Roanoke City Public Schools senior who will enroll full-time in either a two or four-year institution of higher learning. Those who demonstrate impressive academic ability and community involvement have a higher likelihood of being chosen.
Interested individuals must also thoroughly explain what their future plans are and why they need this scholarship. A Letter of Recommendation must come from either a teacher, coach or guidance counselor.
Recipients of the scholarships have gone to graduate from Virginia Commonwealth University, James Madison University, Roanoke College, Virginia Tech and several HBCU’s, among many other schools.
For Wimbish, helping young people be able to afford college is a feeling that never gets old. “I tell young people all the time that no one accomplishes lofty goals solely by themselves. People have helped me along my life’s journey, and I feel obligated to do the same for the next generation.”
Next year’s event is expected to return to Eureka Park.
