R-HHS Staff Member Named Varsity Brands Finalist

By April Hall, Staff Writer

CHARLOTTE COURT HOUSE – Mr. Wallace Stokes, a paraprofessional/bus driver (and much, much more than his title describes), of Randolph-Henry High School (R-HHS), has been named a finalist in the Varsity Brands Most Spirited Staff Member category of this year’s School Spirit Awards.

Mr. Stokes was nominated by Mr. Christopher D. Holt, R-HHS Assistant Principal/Athletic Director, through a letter to Varsity Brands. In the letter Holt depicts all the ways that Stokes contributes to his school on a daily basis, all of which go above and beyond what his job entails. He also stated that “Mr. Stokes is an invaluable asset to Randolph-Henry High School. He is known, respected, and never expects anything in return for his good nature, caring and quality that he brings to the table daily. It is my distinct honor and privilege to nominate him for consideration for the Most Spirited Staff Member. Varsity Brands and any organization would be well served to have a direct connection with Mr. Stokes.”

In addition to Mr. Holt’s nomination letter, Randolph-Henry High School Principal Mr. Robbie Mason sent a letter of recommendation to Varsity Brand’s Selection Committee. In the letter Mr. Mason states, “I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for Mr. Wallace Stokes as nominee for the Varsity Brands Most Spirited Staff Member Award … Mr. Wallace Stokes is such a special and unique individual. He has essentially given his life to Randolph-Henry High School. His consistent service to Charlotte County and specifically the students and staff at Randolph-Henry High School is immeasurable. It does not matter what we have going on here, he is always present, ready to assist, offer encouragement and do whatever needs to be done. Mr. Stokes has an unending well of enthusiasm and passion for Randolph-Henry High School, our students and all its moving parts. He wants to serve, encourage, please, and try make a difference in the lives of our school community. He does all this in a way that is uncanny. He never expects anything in return for his efforts and his happiness is evident in his never-ending smile when he positively impacts others … Randolph-Henry High School is very fortunate to have such a selfless individual on the “front lines” for us daily. It is without reservation that I write this recommendation letter on his behalf for the Varsity Brands Most Spirited Staff Member Award.”

According to the Varsity Brands website in order to be nominated for “Most Spirited Staff Member,” a person must make outstanding contributions to a school’s spirit culture. This person turns their job into an extraordinary opportunity to make others happy, without expecting anything in return. This person holds an important, but perhaps underappreciated role within the school district (i.e., cafeteria staff, bus driver, crossing guard, custodians or administrative staff) but is still known and loved by students, faculty and community members alike.

As a finalist, Mr. Stokes recently received word that he is exclusively invited to the Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards Show at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday, May 12, where winners of each category will be announced during the show. Attendees will take part in the production of the awards show, school spirit roundtable discussions and an awards breakfast. Each category winner will receive $3,000, and the grand prize winner will be named America’s Most Spirited High School and receive $25,000 for their school.

Mr. Stokes is among three finalists in this year’s Most Spirited Staff Member category, along with Anette Sult of Baxter High School in Iowa and Shannon May of Crean Lutheran High School in California.

To learn more about the Varsity Brands organization and to view the entire list of finalists in all categories, visit www.varsitybrands.com.