Recipient: Ian Gillen, RHS class of 2019

Across this student’s four year tenure at Rolesville High School, he has participated actively in a broad spectrum of clubs, honor societies and athletic teams. In his freshman year he participated with FFA and as well was selected by the Administration to serve as a committee member on  MTAC, the Media Technology Advisory Committee. At the end of his sophomore year, he was selected to participate in the Hugh O’Bryant Leadership Program at NC State University. As an upperclassman, he continued to contribute time and talent to Rambassadors, Green Today, Greener Tomorrow, Interact Club (where he currently serves as Vice President), Spanish Honor Society, and National Honor Society. As a Junior in the NHS he served as Secretary and helped to establish a far reaching lunch time tutoring program that still functions today, serving students in both A&B lunches 3 days per week and as a Senior is the President of NHS. He has lettered in 3 sports: Cross Country, Swimming and Tennis and was the Men’s Tennis Team’s Most Outstanding Player in his Junior season. This spring he accepted an invitation to participate in Wake County Public Schools’ “GRADitude” video program, whereby seniors celebrate former teachers who have inspired them. He has been celebrated by peers and teachers alike as a leader among the class of 2019. This student has chosen to attend NC State University as a member of the class of 2023, where we expect him to continue his legacy. 

“The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.” ~John Maxwell 

Recipient: Warda Moughal, RHS class of 2019

This RHS Senior will truly be missed; her characterization by faculty and staff is overwhelmingly that of a compassionate and generous person. Her considerable legacy is reflected in her extensive participation in a number of campus organizations, to include the following: Key Club ~ Honorary Representative from 2017-2019, Spanish Honor Society, inducted as a rising Junior, Science National Honor Society an inaugural inductee, National Honor Society Fundraising Committee Chair as a Jr., and Vice President in her Sr. year, Health Occupations Science Association for 3 of her 4 years, Muslim Student Association 4 years and Secretary her Sr. year, and Green Today, Greener Tomorrow as Secretary her Senior year. Additionally she managed the Women’s Softball program in 2018, meaning essentially that you could find this student on any given part of the campus on any given day. Having had the pleasure to work and study with this student for 3 semesters, it has been my personal observation that she possesses a maturity far beyond most students, is keenly aware and appreciative of diversity and its celebration and reflects such in her dealings and exchanges with peers and faculty. This young woman plans to attend Meredith College in the fall, where she has been awarded a full academic scholarship.

“There was never any heart, truly great and generous, that was not also tender and compassionate.” ~Robert Frost

Recipient: Naomi Smith, RHS class of 2019

This student was a leader among her peers even before she attended Rolesville High School.  She has always been held in high regard for her unflappable enthusiasm, intellect, wisdom, thoughtfulness and desire to make a difference.  As a student athlete, she played soccer one year and lettered in volleyball four years, and during her senior year, she served as captain. As a scholar, she has remained a member in good standing of NHS since her Spring 2017 induction, an unusual feat for sophomores, considering the rigorous requirements for entry at any grade level. She will graduate from Rolesville High School with the Latin honor distinction of Summa Cum Laude.  As a student leader, she has been class president throughout her four years of high school, a role which she has taken quite seriously. She understands that student leadership is about service and has blazed a trail and set a standard for future student leaders at our school. In all that she has chosen to do, this student has held herself to high standards and modeled excellence. The committee expects that she will continue this spirit of dedication to humankind throughout her life.  When she attends the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill next year, her leadership at Rolesville High will be missed. 

“The real value of setting goals is not the recognition or reward, it’s the person we become by finding the discipline, courage, and commitment to achieve them.” Anonymous 

Recipient: Michael Julian Stinnett, RHS class of 2019

This Rolesville HS graduate of the class of 2019 is largely identified by his peers and teachers as being of tremendously gritty stock; his key word is determination. A standout team member and leader of the RHS Football Program during his four year tenure he held the position of Captain during his Senior Year, but as Coach Barthelmess reminded the committee in his nomination, this legacy recipient has inspired his teammates from his very first season. All Conference Recognition in 2017 and 18, Academic All Conference in the same years, he is the football program’s all time record holder in tackles at 232 total. Recognized and honored as the Brandon Burlsworth Character Award Winner celebrating work ethic and honorable play and sportsmanship. Beyond the gridiron this student is recognized and known for his persistence and resolve to maintain his academic standing, finishing his 4 years with a 3.9 gpa and was inducted in the National Honor Society in his Junior year. Other campus activities that he has contributed to include the RHS Lacrosse team and Green Today, Greener Tomorrow. This student honors Rolesville High School with his accomplishments and plans to attend Randolph Macon College in Ashland, VA next year on an academic scholarship, where he will also contribute his considerable talent on the football field. 

“It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things.” - unknown

Recipient: Cindy McPherson, 2013-2018

This Rolesville Original, now retiree is recognized as one of the most generous professionals we have ever enjoyed working with. Her third floor office, door always open was replete with materials to support our students well beyond the classroom; designed to get them thinking about their futures, but more importantly, about their opportunities. She was a creative, forward thinking, visionary and kind person who put students at the front of all things she touched. She worked hard to include the community in her role, and conversely, our students in the community, resulting in a vibrant and thriving relationship between the Business Alliance, local business concerns and our Rolesville Rams. She is responsible for providing opportunities for many of our students to participate in leadership programs, be considered for scholarships and more. Her colleagues in the Career and Technical Education department had this to say about her:  “she embodies everything that is positive and collaborative; she is a true and genuine friend in times of stress; she mentored staff as well as students and is the personification of optimism and problem resolution.” I personally, as a parent am grateful to her for seeing the potential in my own student and pushing him to reach for things he may not have before considered. That is who she is: the professional in our building who saw the potential in our kids. Thank you from us all. You are a Legacy. 

“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.” ~Lao Tzu

Recipient: Leo Barthelmess, Teacher/Coach, RHS 2013 - current

Passion is the word most appropriately linked to this current (and “original”) faculty member at Rolesville High School. In addition to his roles and responsibilities as a classroom teacher (to include the AP curriculum within his discipline), he is responsible for the foundation of RED, the Rolesville High School Art Gallery originally located in downtown Rolesville. Additionally he serves as the National Art Honor Society sponsor and as well, an Assistant Football Coach to an athletic program that demands copious amounts of time and dedication. In this role he is active, engaged and advocates on behalf of his players, as athletes and scholars. Because of his commitment to these organizations, this teacher spends far more time on and around campus than the average, and as such is a highly visible and often smiling figure. His nominee wrote that he is involved and committed to providing and acting on ideas that will keep our school at its very finest, and as well move it forward as a force to be recognized and a model to be respected. 

“If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose.” T.D. Jakes

Recipient: Paul “Tommy” Moore, RHS Athletic Director, 2013-2018

This faculty member, coach and leader is a Rolesville High School original, arriving in 2013 to share his experience, expertise and vision to a fledgling school. To share his resume here would simply take too long, he has served Wake County throughout the entirety of his professional career, and his contributions are truly legacy-like. Rather than bore with numbers and statistics (as impressive as they are), faculty and staff were invited to comment on his impact. Coach Clinton Williams said of him: “his work ethic is unparallelled. It was common to arrive early in the morning at RHS and see his truck the first there, or while leaving late at night, to see him riding a tractor, cutting a practice field (work ethic or crazy, we are not sure). Coach Matthew Turner referenced his poise and character and said that this individual shaped his own philosophy with the following words: “it’s always better to give them (students) too many chances than not enough. We as adults can live with kids making mistakes, we can’t live with not allowing them opportunity.” Coach Jeanne Gillen commented: “His sense of otherness is incredible, there was never a moment when I asked for help or guidance that he was not ready, willing and happy to assist.” Principal Dhedra Lassiter had this to say: “I always thought my father is the kindest person I have ever known...and then I worked with Tommy.  He is undoubtedly just as kind”. His professionalism, gentility, example for students, patience, and kindness are not only models, they are uncommon. And of course, his humility is his hallmark. 

“I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.” ~ Rabindranath Tagore

Recipient: Sherwood Bobbitt, Business Alliance Chair, RHS 2013-current

This Legacy Award recipient is our current Business Alliance Chair at Rolesville High School -- a position he has held since the start of the Business Alliance in September 2013.  He understands the importance of an active Business Alliance within the school because of the guidance and mentorship he himself received in high school. Having career guidance at a young age helped motivate him to become a business owner and start up his own newspaper and print company.  His local business, Buzz Media Marketing has hosted Rolesville High students as interns and also featured their work in the newspaper for local audiences to enjoy. In additional to his marketing business, this community member has been the publisher for The Rolesville Buzz. He is also a current Rolesville Chamber of Commerce member and served as Board Chair from 2014 to 2016.

His co-workers believe that he “embodies the ‘School to Career’ mentality”.  They spoke highly of his desire to help students gain important career skills in high school and provide them as many experiences as possible before they enter the workforce.  Additionally this recipient was instrumental in planning for the Youth Leadership program, offered through the Rolesville Chamber. He actively recruits volunteers and is enthusiastic to help at any event that Career Services promotes during the year -- from financial literacy events, roundtable discussions, mock interviews for jobs and many more.  During the 2015-2016 school year he was recognized by the School to Career Council as an Outstanding Volunteer for his efforts in providing students wonderful opportunities as they begin their careers.

This gentleman embodies what the “Legacy Award” is all about because he has shown exceptional dedication to the community of Rolesville and most of all, our students’ current AND future professional successes. 

¨Selflessness is of its very nature. Self-discipline is its requirement. Prayer opens its reservoir of power.¨~Gordon B. Hinckley 

Recipient: Christian Bonham, Sr. Pastor Bethany Baptist Church

We would like to recognize a community member that has been a steady presence at Rolesville High School since its opening.  He is an active parent of both a current RHS student, a graduate, and future Rolesville High School Ram. He is the local senior pastor of many of our students and their families. He has provided consistent and genuine support for both our Fellowship of Christian Athletes and our band program. Each Friday morning, he is here to guide the student leaders of FCA and has shared his insight at events like Pray at the Pole and the vigil sponsored by our Muslim Student Association for victims of the mass shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Each summer, our honoree becomes a band dad for two precious weeks.  He arrives early and stays late for band camp to support music instruction and all functions of the camp. He is often the first band dad to volunteer to move equipment, chaperone, help with instruction, and be an active member of the Pit Crew for competitions, performances, and parades throughout the marching band season. This year he and his wife served as volunteer coordinators for the Atlantic Indoor Competition where they instructed and directed over one hundred student and parent volunteers throughout a 14 hour day. This event is Rolesville High School Band’s most profitable fundraiser of the year and a massive undertaking for the band boosters. Thanks in part to his gracious efforts, his love for the people of Rolesville High and his support of their music, the band had its most successful event in school history. His quote reads: “In the end, nothing we do or say in this lifetime will matter as much as the way we have loved one another.” ~Daphne Rose Kingma.The Legacy committee would like to invite Pastor Christian Bonham to the stage to allow us to recognize and thank you for the love you have shown and shared in support of and dedication to the staff and students of Rolesville High School.

“In the end, nothing we do or say in this lifetime will matter as much as the way we have loved one another.” ~Daphne Rose Kingma