Stokes Wins Varsity Brands Most School Spirited Award

By April Hall, Staff Writer

ORLANDO, FLA. – Mr. Wallace Stokes, a paraprofessional/bus driver at Randolph-Henry High School (R-HHS), was named the Varsity Brands Most Spirited Staff Member in this year’s School Spirit Awards, on May 12 at Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando, Fla.

Mr. Stokes was nominated for the award by Mr. Christopher D. Holt, R-HHS Assistant Principal/Athletic Director. In his letter, Holt depicted all the ways that Stokes contributes to his school on a daily basis, all of which go above and beyond what his job entails.

After learning of Mr. Stokes’ win, Holt stated, “What an incredible honor for Mr. Stokes and Randolph-Henry High School! We are truly blessed to have Mr. Stokes making a positive impact on our students, staff and community on a daily basis.”

Randolph-Henry High School’s principal, Robbie Mason, also presented a letter of recommendation on Stokes’ behalf to the Varsity Brand’s Selection Committee, stating among many other things that “Randolph-Henry High School is very fortunate to have such a selfless individual on the ‘front lines’ for us daily.”

Principal Mason commented “Wallace is the best staff member imaginable. I am so proud that he has been recognized nation-wide for his efforts. It is difficult to imagine R-HHS without Mr. Stokes.”

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.

While in Florida, Stokes attended the production of the awards show, school spirit roundtable discussions and an awards breakfast, during which he was named the winner in the Most Spirited Staff Member category. Stokes was presented the award, which included a prize of $3,000. He was one of three finalists in the category.

As a finalist and winner, Mr. Stokes can be seen on Sunday, June 10 on CBS Sports Network, when the third annual Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards Show will be aired. The show will be hosted by Olympic gold medal gymnast Laurie Hernandez and Pennsylvania-based teacher Richard Curtis.

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