YMCA celebrates 85th year of promoting “Youth Development for Healthy Living.”
by S. Rotan Hale
Once again Lucy Addison Middle School (LAMS) hosted the YMCA Father-Son and Family Banquet.
The Johnsons, Principal Robert (left) and father Robert, Sr. walk away with the most awards won at the banquet.Now in its 85th year, the affair held Saturday, April 1 was a celebration that for all intents and purposes, promotes healthy families–a mission clearly accomplished considering the sights and sounds of those in attendance who cheerfully engaged in everything this event has to offer.
The banquet was established in 1932 at what was then Lucy Addison High School and only focused on the African American father-son connection–considering the period and the state of race relations.
“The old Lucy Addison had step teams, debate teams and other such extra school activities geared toward broadening student’s interactive skills,” said school principal Robert Johnson who was particularly proud to talk about how he and his administration have developed extra curricular activities that promote focus and healthy interaction for students.
The clean cut and highly energized group members wear bright orange sweat shirts that blaze the Theta Sigma Theta insignia.
Leading the group is Jeffrey Williams, an 8th grade math teacher at the school who was instrumental in forming the teams, several of which performed prior to the banquet.
A staple of the event that adds a distinctive touch are numerous awards presented such as “Father with the Youngest Son,” “Oldest Father Present” as well as similar awards given to the women. Among the several awards presented, Principal Johnson and his father (Robert, Sr.) walked away with the “Heart of a Father Award,” sponsored by Member One Credit Union and presented by YMCA Board Chair, Charles Withers.
Awards given to the men were sponsored by Hamlar Curtis Funeral Home, women’s awards were sponsored by Bread’s Cleaning Service.
New this year was a basketball tournament held earlier that morning that had lite attendance due to conflicting AAU basketball tournaments. The lite attendance didn’t stop Josh Johnson, a Crime Prevention Officer with Roanoke City Police (RCP) who brought his jovial and upbeat style to the function and clearly worked well with the kids. “We (RCP) are just out hear to support the positive efforts of the partnership between the YMCA and Lucy Addison Middle School,” Johnson said.
Attendees were treated to a Greek-style buffet complements of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. The meal added an international flair to the affair and was served by Steve Peters and crew.
As keynote speaker Sherman Lea, Jr. delivered an encouraging message to the many attendees who packed Addison’s cafeteria.
“In order to have success you have to continue to achieve, we are conditioned to want to achieve success at an early age and are driven innately to that goal.”
Lea went on to explain the benefits of linking virtuous standards and said “Achievement in life and success are closely tied together so what determines your level of achievement and success in life? It’s your commitment.”
In his closing remarks he emphasized the importance of raising our personal bar. “For success we want to continue to achieve and live up to our highest potential, make a solid commitment, and take massive action.”
His inspiring message was totally in accordance with the Y’s overall theme of “youth development for healthy living.”
