The Roanoke NAACP Youth Council made an awesome presence at the “5th Annual Impactors of Excellence Awards program” at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, March 4 at High Street Baptist Church, where Rev. Serenus T. Churn is the pastor.
Each youth member demonstrated Excellence in serving as Master and Mistress of Ceremonies, presenters of the honorees, devotion leaders, performers and ushers. First Vice President Kameron Washington-Brown and Javon Jones were the co-hosts for the afternoon. The NAACP chant was led by Membership Chair, Alexis Phanelson and President Phazhon Nash created and presented a fantastic historical slide show. It was all about the youth and they made an IMPACT that day.
The 2018 Impactors were awesome in expressing appreciation of the honor and just amazed that the youth planned and implemented this program to honor them. The honorees included Tami Amos, Richard Chubb, Harry “Duke” Curtis, “Coach” Alvin Graves, Rev. L.A. Lewis, Luran Deanna Morgan, Rhonda Chambers Rhodes and Tiffany Kelso Williams. Each one gave a mini sermon including words of encouragement and praise to God for all they have been able to do to impact the Valley’s youth who were definitely in the church!
The Youth Council is comprised of over 50 members with some 30 in attendance. The excited, but well composed group was 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.
Past honorees include: Bernadette Brown-Jones director U-Praize, the Jefferson Center Youth Performance Band with Deron Lark, pianist in an outstanding Black History Tribute and member and 2017 ACT-SO gold medalist; and Leila Bryant who gave an outstanding rendition of “Rise Up”. The William Fleming/Patrick Henry Gospel Choir also provided several soul stirring selections, directed by WFHS Principal Archie Freeman, substituting for Director Jeff Williams who was recuperating from surgery.
President Phazhon Nash and Danielle Davoll spearheaded the program with several dedicated committee members with Youth leadership evident in every aspect of the program. All of the youth gave their best and looked good in their selected colors of black, blue and gold.
Members of the Youth Council are all extremely appreciative to High Street Baptist Church and to all in attendance for the generous offering received and are still taking donations. Proceeds will help send members to the 109th Annual NAACP National Convention in San Antonio, Texas; as well as, to the Virginia State Conference Convention to be held in October in Portsmouth, VA.
Advisors Gloria Randolph-King and Lorena Wilson and Branch President Brenda Hale were just overwhelmed at the youth’s performance and are overjoyed with the outcome. The community has truly been IMPACTED by these youth and will continue to see good things from them in the future.
