–Photo by S. Hale
by Shawn Nowlin
The latest recipient of the Whitney M. Young Award, an annual honor bestowed to an adult or organization that demonstrates tremendous involvement in the development of Scouting opportunities for local low-income youth, is James “JP” Pennix.
During his ten years as head of the National Urban League, Young was an educator and civil rights activist who spearheaded a drive for equal opportunity in government.
On June 20 in a Salem Civic Center ballroom, the Blue Ridge Mountains Council, Boy Scouts of America presented Pennix with their prestigious award. Present for the occasion were family members, friends, colleagues and previous award winners. Emceed by Jason Morgan, attendees were treated to a catered meal after all participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The eight table sponsors were First Citizens Bank, Maple Street Church, Andre Perry, Dr. Shelby Dikerson, Mountain to Lake Reality, SC Rossi & Co., Summit Helicopters and TEMIC.
During the event, different people spoke about why Pennix is deserving of this recognition.
“JP clearly represents and embodies the oath, model and principles of the Boy Scouts. His life has been one of service. The best way for me to describe JP’s life is through faith, family and friendships. He shares his faith with everyone who come in contact with him and is a friend to all. A true man of God,” Kenny Belton Sr., a former Roanoke College classmate, said.
“JP has done so much in this community and we appreciate all of his efforts,” Joe Gaither, a previous award recipient, later added.
In addition to receiving his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics (BS) from Roanoke College, Pennix also earned his Masters of Social (MSW) from Radford University. Currently, he is pursuing his Doctorate of Education from Walden University.
Pennix’s career in education began in 1993. Since then, he’s held various educator, administrator and consultant positions at different institutions of higher learning. These include serving as the Senior Associate Director for Recruitment at Virginia Tech and Assistant Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management at Elizabeth City State University.
In his current capacity as Roanoke College’s Vice President for Enrollment Management, Pennix is responsible for facilitating the development and implementation of RC’s strategic enrollment management plan, among many other things.
Of all the awards that Pennix has won over the years, he said of this one, “This award is truly humbling. When I was first approached about this, I thought to myself, ‘We have so many legends in the Valley, why would you choose me?’ To be in the same organization with those who have come before me is truly a blessing. It is with profound humility that I accept this honor.”
Pennix and his wife, Lisa, are the proud parents of two sons.
