The Roanoke NAACP Youth Council made an awesome presence at the “2nd Annual Impactors of Excellence Awards program” on Sunday, March 8, at Pilgrim Baptist Church. Each member demonstrated Excellence as they served as Mistress and Master of Ceremonies, presenters of the honorees, devotion leaders, commemorators, dancers, ushers and singers in the NAACP Choir. The NAACP chant and the CREDO led by Erin Hilton helped the audience understand why these youth are NAACP warriors. It was all about the youth and they made an IMPACT that day.
The excited, but well composed youth, were extremely delighted about recognizing and honoring a set of individuals in the Roanoke Valley who have made a positive impact in their lives and those of today’s youth. This event surpassed anything given by youth in this valley. The supportive audience, comprised of family, church and friends of the Impactors and the Youth Council packed the house. The presence of the Roanoke City School Superintendent, Dr. Rita Bishop; Patrick Henry Principal, Mr. Joseph Jablonski and the 2014 Impactors of Excellence made the event even more special.
The 2015 Impactors were most appreciative of the honor and amazed that the youth planned and implemented this program to honor them. Sherman Lea, Jr., one of the recipients stated regarding his recognition and the youth, “I was blown away by their talent, leadership and activism in the NAACP.”
The youth were definitely in the house. The William Fleming and Patrick Henry Gospel combined choirs directed by Jeff Williams was comprised of close to 40 youth and they performed with exuberance and extreme confidence. The praise dance teams led by Mrs. Monique Anderson were creatively entertaining. The NAACP Youth Choir, directed by Bernadette Jones and Deron Lark sang creative renditions of “Wade in the Water” and “Soon I will Be Done” just added the right spiritual touch.
Other 2015 Impactors included: Mrs. Ruth Claytor, Mr. Bobby (Coach) Martin, Mr. Jeff May; Mrs. Carolyn Patterson, The Honorable Mrs. Anita Price, Rev. Dwight & Mrs. Connie Steele and Mr. Archie Freeman III. All gave words of encouragement and (praise to God) for all that they have been able to do to impact youth.
Evangelist Stephanie Robinson-Clark, former mayor of Covington, VA, made a “Surprise” appearance and gave her vocal talents to the program.
President Blake Barnes spearheaded the program with his committee members: Kiana Bell, Avery Bolden. Aaliyah Gray, Drew Johnson and Anton Jones. Blake’s leadership was evident in every aspect of the program but all of the youth gave their best and they looked good in their selected colors of black and gold.
The youth are extremely grateful for the generous offering received. These proceeds will help the Youth Council send members to the 106th Annual NAACP National Convention in Philadelphia, PA; as well as other training meetings.
Advisors Gloria Randolph-King and Mrs. Lorena Wilson and Branch President Brenda Hale were just overwhelmed at the youth’s performance and overjoyed with the outcome. The community has truly been IMPACTED and will continue to see good things from these youth in the future.
