Student Recipients
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Jonathan Chatman - Leadership
Recipient: Jonathan Chatman, Class of 2020
Jonathan earned multiple nominations for induction to Legacy, by both faculty and peers. From the very start of his four year tenure at Rolesville Jonathan has distinguished himself as a leader: a student eager to learn, act and aspire and now, at the conclusion of his Ram career, the imprint is clearly manifested across our campus. Jonathan's contributions include serving as a founding member of the Equity Club (wherein adult organizers commented on his maturity and leadership), and again as founding member of an environmental sustainability club. Dr. Thomlinson remarks that Jonathan's participation in part led to the writing of a grant to raise funds for equipment as well as the development of a marketing plan so peers and the school at large could understand the value of this endeavor. He participated as an officer of Brothers Together Achieving Greatness (BTAG) and ultimately served the entire school community as the President of the Senior Class with Student Council this past year. He is visionary, both personally and on behalf of our community. All of these activities and contributions of time and talent were balanced with a rigorous schedule to include several AP courses and a list of college applications that are not for the faint of heart. Ultimately this student has decided to attend North Carolina A&T University, on a full 4-year scholarship.
“The topic of leadership is a touchy one. A lot of leaders fail because they don't have the bravery to touch that nerve or strike that chord. Throughout my years, I haven't had that fear.” ~ Kobe Bryant
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Evan Meade - Service
Recipient: Evan Meade, Class of 2020
This Ram graduate of the class of 2020 had been nominated by several faculty members, not only in consideration of his outstanding contributions to our school but also characterized by his personal actions and service. Among the descriptions provided in Evan's nomination were used the traits: commitment, scholarship, honesty, maturity and integrity. Across Evan's four year tenure at Rolesville High School, he has distinguished himself and served Rolesville High School in a variety of organizations, to include FBLA & DECA, FCCLA. Evan was inducted into the National Science Honor Society as a Sophomore, and served the National Honor Society from 2018 to 2020, culminating as President during his Senior Year. Evan served as an active and leading member of FFA throughout his time at Rolesville and served as both Awards Committee Chair and Plant Sale Committee Chair. Mr. Beasley had this to say of Evan: “He is like the teacher disguised as a student, ensuring that everything is done properly. When other students may be very visible, Evan is the source of energy and organization behind it all. He simply gets the job done, and very effectively at that." This young man plans to further his education at UNC Chapel Hill this fall, and while he leaves a legacy here, we are certain that he is busy building another one.
“Whoever renders service to many puts himself in for greatness: great wealth, great return, great satisfaction, great reputation and great joy.” ~ Jim Rohn
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Diego Rivera-Dorantes - Community
Recipient: Diego Rivera-Dorantes, Class of 2020
“A Natural Ram” is how one of our counselors described this Legacy recipient, a student who embodies the Wake County Public Schools’ definition of kindness, that is: “being considerate and courteous, helpful and understanding of others. Showing care, compassion, friendship and generosity. Treating others as you would like to be treated.” Diego’s smiling countenance and legacy of service reflects his concern for the well being of others, both peers and faculty. Diego served in the capacity of Rambassador for two years, a critical position in the welcoming of our newest Rams and essential for their starting off on the right foot at Rolesville High School. Additionally Diego served as Teacher Cadet for Ms. Winter and Ms. Hatcher, both of whom described his dedication as beyond the expected measure. Of tremendous impact was this student’s positive influence and help with non-native English speaking students in the sheltered Math 1 program. Diego's donation of time in these tutorial sessions was not only generous, but more importantly reveals his keen understanding and compassion for those who struggle in a second language.
“The way you get meaning in your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.” ~Mitch Albom
Staff Recipients
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Daniel Beasley - Dedication
Recipient: Daniel Beasley, Rolesville High School teacher, 2013 - current
This “original” Faculty member helped to open Rolesville’s doors in 2013 and has since been a consistent presence on campus and in the larger community. The professional “hats” Mr. Beasley wears are many and varied, to include volunteering to drive the bus for faculty and coaches, working and assisting at sporting events, even presiding over grill duties at Homecoming and similar celebrations. Mr. Beasley is insistent on showing Rolesville High School in its best possible light and works tirelessly to ensure that the community itself witnesses the effort and excellence that we have to offer. As a classroom teacher Mr. Beasley is highly regarded and respected by students and staff equally. Mr. Beasley is quick to volunteer to collaborate with colleagues with the ultimate goal being the well rounded and cross curricular learning experience of our students. Dr. Thom Thomlinson wrote of him: “He actively helped prepare our Envirothon Team for this year’s competition. Had it not been canceled, I am confident our kids would have advanced to the state competition.” Mr. Beasley has served as an FFA Advisor since Rolesville’s doors opened, requiring literally countless hours of work and practice with our students, training and preparing them for competitions that range from goat showings to cultivating flowers and plants. On campus he maintains both a greenhouse, and he helps with facility maintenance and beautification. Mr. Beasley chaperones our students to the annual NC State Fair, attends an FFA summer camp with them and is literally ready on a moment’s notice to answer a call or request for help from colleagues and students alike. His gruff exterior, while iconic, is not at all reflective of this tireless contributor to Rolesville’s success and operation.
“The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand.” ~Vince Lombardi
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Joseph Testerink - Achievement
Recipient: Joseph Testerink, Rolesvill High School teacher 2016 - present
This Legacy recipient was nominated not only by faculty and peers but also by 2019 RHS graduate and Legacy honoree himself, Ian Gillen. It is always inspiring to listen to former graduates as they begin to recognize what our teachers and counselors have been preaching, teaching and sharing on the daily. In Ian's description of Mr. Testerink, teacher turned part-time administrator, Ian wrote that Mr. Testerink's presence was an awesome blend of leader, joker and model. Students respect him, learn from him and laugh with him. Mr. Testerink is possessed of a rare ability to establish rapport, relationship and respect in the learning environment. These qualities often extend beyond the classroom and into the halls of Rolesville, affecting both the students Mr. Testerink knows and those he does not. Mr. Testerink's equitable treatment all is key in his characterization as a person worthy of student trust. During the past two years this Civics and Government teacher has been working toward an Administrator’s degree. The rigorous demands of maintaining both positions with a positive and optimistic attitude is certainly impressive but that which makes it even more so is his efficacy in getting the job done and doing it well (and parenthetically, frequently with a joke in hand).
“Every day you may make progress. Every step may be fruitful. Yet there will stretch out before you an ever-lengthening, ever-ascending, ever-improving path. You know you will never get to the end of the journey. But this, so far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb.” Winston Churchill
Community Recipient
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Russell Richter - Opportunity
Recipient: Russell Richter, VP, LL Vann Electric, Inc.
This community enterprise, with the guidance of Mr. Richter, has been engaged with and supportive of one vocational discipline at our school for 3 years, with no intention of stopping any time soon. Their consistent presence has served not only to further our students’ educational experience but expanded and afforded them opportunity for gainful employment after graduation. In fact, this company has already contracted 14 Ram graduates as electrical apprentices and established our first “career signing day” and wall during the 2018-2019 academic year. Furthermore the company was an active participant in the design of Rolesville’s inaugural VOLT event (Vocational Occupational Learning Teams), regrettably cancelled due to the pandemic, but sure to return in time. In fiscal terms, this company has donated more than $15,000.00 worth of equipment and materials, to include 3 Conex Shipping containers for school storage, a considerable donation. The support and attention shared by this company recognizes the hard work and efforts of our students and as well reveals the incredible possibilities that lie within vocational programs and careers. According to Mr. Tim Stile, these recognitions bring our students to share in the limelight that has traditionally been reserved for college bound athletes and those students enlisting in military service. We appreciate and thank Russell Richter and LL Vann Electric for providing opportunity to our Rams.
“All that is valuable in human society depends upon the opportunity for development accorded the individual.” ~Albert Einstein
