by S. Rotan Hale
For some people, thinking about today’s kids may conjure feelings of anguish and frustration but not for Roanoke native Jerel Rhodes, founder of Renaissance Academy and its parent org. Rebounding Roanoke.
Established in 2012, the academy developed for high school students held its annual “Donning of the Blazers Banquet” Friday, July 31 at Charter Hall in Downtown Roanoke. This year Rhodes proudly announced the addition of middle school students bringing the total number of members to 62 strong.
Anyone who’s ever attended this annual affair, now in its 3rd year, will certainly agree to the length of the 3-hour banquet as hours well-spent.
“The academy’s mission is all about character building and holding our young men up so they see from the same perspective that we as parents see from… its about under-girding our young men,” said Rhodes during his opening remarks.
“Success without successors is a failure and if you count yourself successful then you need to breed part of that into our next generation,” he added.
As guest speaker Rev. William Lee, pastor Loudon Ave. Christian Church bolstered the program’s lofty mission with an encouraging message that perfectly set the young aspiring leader’s course for greatness.
During the first part of his speech Rev. Lee tracked the long and arduous path to his earning the title of “Dr.” He was clad in elaborate ruby red academic regalia that although stays in his closet, nonetheless serves as a constant reminder of the station he has achieved.
Lee equated his robe to the royal blue blazers in which the honorees would soon be draped. “When you are out there in the world remember you have a jacket in the closet that you earned, that reminds you to carry yourself as a “Renaissance Man.”
Throughout his impassioned proclamation, Rev. Lee continued to speak at length about the cherished position of being a member of such a virtuous youth organization.
Going way beyond a simple prayer, Rev. Kathy O’Keeffe gracefully highlighted the depth, vision and a multitude of other qualities that have blessed Rhodes and allowed him to make such an incredibly “profound impact” on the young scholar’s lives.
Mayor David Bowers referred to the academy as “nothing short of a miracle.” He told an inspiring story of his struggles through college–prior to practicing law and ultimately going on to become mayor. “No matter where you start, if you learn and work real hard … you too may have your dreams come true,” he said.
A video featuring several banquet honorees heightened the affair’s entertainment and gave a short but impressive synopsis of the young men and showcased their individual flair.
As an awards banquet the affair had many to go around. After her speech regarding support of this worthwhile organization, Traci Fitz-Scales of Optima Health Family Care presented Blake Barnes, Harold Hancock, III and Dontese Johnson each with $1,000 scholarships.
City Council members Anita Price and Bill Bestpitch also honored the 3 chosen as “students accepted into a college that have done great things for their community.”
Councilman Bestpitch also recognized mentor Dietrich Bundick and presented him with a medallion for being Rhodes’ right hand man since the academy started. Additionally Rhodes lifted mentors Marques Wilson and Nathan Williams, both on hand, along with several other mentors who, though significant were not present.
Truth is, not every kid is cut out for greatness and many will be lost to the usual pitfalls that plague African American male students. But for those really special young men on the front lines willing to brave the odds and achieve true greatness–through a well-structured character, Rhodes’ Renaissance Academy is the catalyst for success.
