Recipient: Chigozie Nnani, Class of 2023

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Chigozie Nnani's involvement and achievements as a member of the National Honor Society, the African Student Union, and as the editor in chief of the yearbook, highlight his exceptional commitment to academic excellence, cultural engagement, and leadership potential.

Chigozie's active participation in the National Honor Society showcases his dedication to maintaining high standards of scholarship and his leadership qualities in the classroom. His commitment to academic achievement is commendable, and his involvement in this prestigious organization demonstrates his ability to inspire and motivate others to excel academically.

Furthermore, Chigozie's membership in the African Student Union reflects his desire to connect with his cultural heritage and contribute to creating a diverse and inclusive community at Rolesville High School. By actively engaging with this organization, he demonstrates his commitment to fostering cultural awareness and appreciation among his peers.

As the editor in chief of the yearbook, Chigozie displays strong leadership skills. His responsibilities include overseeing the theme development, content, and design of the yearbook. This role requires attention to detail and the ability to make final decisions on stories, layouts, and pictures. Chigozie's ability to collaborate effectively with other students to ensure continuity and flow in the yearbook showcases his teamwork skills and his capacity to work towards a common goal.

Chigozie's resourcefulness and ability to think on his feet are evident in his sincere approach to problem-solving during the yearbook production process. He addresses any issues that arise promptly, ensuring a well-structured and high-quality publication.

Additionally, Chigozie's dedication and reliability are exemplified by his willingness to fill in any needs of the yearbook staff, such as visiting multiple away games during the spring sports season. His strong work ethic and commitment to ensuring complete coverage of all spring sports demonstrate his determination and willingness to go above and beyond expectations.

Outside of his academic and extracurricular commitments, Chigozie's involvement as a proprietor of a small clothing business showcases his entrepreneurial drive and ability to manage multiple responsibilities. It demonstrates his initiative, ambition, and willingness to pursue his interests beyond traditional avenues.

Chigozie Nnani's extensive involvement in various roles and his outstanding contributions make him an invaluable member of the school community. His leadership, problem-solving skills, teamwork, reliability, commitment, and entrepreneurial spirit make him a role model for others. Chigozie's dedication not only benefits him personally but also contributes to fostering inclusivity, appreciation for diversity, and academic achievement within the broader school community. He is truly a role model and a "Rolesville Legacy."

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“Even where there is talent, culture, knowledge, if there is not earnestness, it does not go to the root of things.” - James Freeman Clarke

Recipient: Michael Grether, Rolesville High School Teacher 2013-2023, RHS Teacher of the Year 2019 and WCPSS Teacher of the Year Finalist

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Mr. Grether, a dedicated teacher and coach, has been an integral part of the Ram community since the beginning. Described as "irreplaceable," he is known for his diligence both on the cross country trails and in the classroom.

As an educator, Mr. Grether is highly regarded for his talent and expertise. His AP Human Geography class is recognized as the quintessential AP skill builder course, emphasizing the value of diligence. By teaching AP courses, Mr. Grether demonstrates his commitment to challenging students and preparing them for college-level work. His dedication to curriculum development is evident through the creation of a textbook for his AP Human Geography class, providing comprehensive and high-quality resources for his students.

Being named Teacher of the Year is a testament to Mr. Grether's outstanding teaching abilities and dedication to his students' success. His commitment to delivering high-quality education and fostering a positive learning environment is commendable. Additionally, Mr. Grether has informally mentored numerous teachers throughout his time at RHS, sharing his expertise and insights to support their professional growth and success.

As a Professional Learning Community leader, Mr. Grether facilitates collaboration and professional development among educators. His leadership skills create a supportive environment where teachers can share ideas, resources, and best practices. His subject matter expertise and deep understanding of instructional strategies make him a valuable resource within the PLC. Mr. Grether's commitment to continuous professional development encourages teachers to stay updated with the latest research and instructional approaches.

Through his teaching, mentorship, and coaching, Mr. Grether has positively impacted the lives of his students. His passion for education, commitment to student growth, and ability to inspire and motivate learners contribute to their overall success and personal development. His dedication to teaching excellence, mentorship, athletic development, curriculum development, and positive student impact establishes him as an exemplary educator and role model within the educational community. Mr. Grether is truly a Rolesville Legacy.

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“Running taught me valuable lessons. In cross-country competition, training counted more than intrinsic ability, and I could compensate for a lack of natural aptitude with diligence and discipline. I applied this in everything I did.” -Nelson Mandela

Recipient: Jacob Gross, Rolesville High School Teacher, 2015-present

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Coach Gross is known for his fastidious nature and attention to detail, which makes him an ideal candidate for completing tasks with precise specifications. His dedication to detail is evident not only on the baseball field but also in his role as a Healthful Living Teacher.

As a Healthful Living Teacher, Coach Gross is committed to promoting health and wellness among students. His dedication to teaching and instilling healthy habits contributes to the physical and mental well-being of his students. By collaborating with county curriculum leaders, Coach Gross actively participates in improving the educational experience in his subject area, showcasing his commitment to academic excellence.

In his role as the Varsity Baseball Coach, Coach Gross exemplifies his passion for sports and his ability to mentor and develop student-athletes. He inspires teamwork, discipline, and a drive for excellence among his players. Coach Gross's efforts to improve the baseball and softball fields through fundraisers and personal initiatives demonstrate his commitment to providing a high-quality athletic experience for students.

Beyond his teaching and coaching roles, Coach Gross excels in collaboration and teamwork as a department chair. His ability to work effectively with colleagues, parents, and students is vital in creating a cohesive and successful educational and athletic environment. He actively engages with business leaders and the chamber of commerce to increase support for the school, showcasing his commitment to fostering positive community relationships. Coach Gross's advocacy for the school reflects his genuine concern for its reputation and success.

Coach Gross's involvement in the athletics booster club, dedication to facilities improvement, outreach and recruitment efforts, representation and engagement at school events, support for other sports, academic advocacy, community engagement, and commitment to the school's reputation make him an exceptional individual. His contributions positively impact the school community by fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and pride.

Overall, Coach Gross's attention to detail, commitment to health and wellness, dedication to academic excellence, and passion for sportsmanship make him an invaluable member of the school community. He serves as a positive role model for students, inspiring them to strive for personal growth, success, and well-being.

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"A man's accomplishments in life are the cumulative effect of his attention to detail."   - John Foster Dulles, American Diplomat

Recipient: Tom Kinkelaar - Rolesville High School Athletic Director, 2019-2023

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Coach Tom Kinkelaar's quiet determination and fortitude make him a remarkable individual within the Ram community. His commitment to going above and beyond, even when others may choose to rest, sets him apart. Coach Kinkelaar's relentless work behind the scenes has significantly improved programs and brought about tremendous growth in the athletics department.

Coach Kinkelaar's unwavering determination and focus have been instrumental in the success of the athletics program. He has overcome challenges and obstacles with resilience, inspiring others through his perseverance. His vision and dedication have created more opportunities for students to participate and excel in athletics, ensuring their holistic development.

The well-being and growth of student-athletes are central to Coach Kinkelaar's priorities. His hiring of exceptional coaches and dedication to program expansion highlight his student-centered approach. By providing athletes with quality coaching, resources, and opportunities, Coach Kinkelaar fosters an environment where they can thrive both on and off the field.

Coach Kinkelaar's ability to recruit talented coaches reflects his keen eye for recognizing and assembling a strong coaching staff. This approach contributes to creating an environment of athletic excellence and personal growth for student-athletes.

As the Athletic Director, Coach Kinkelaar excels in collaboration and leadership. He works closely with coaches, administrators, and staff, fostering teamwork and effective communication within the athletic department. His efforts in building a strong foundation and creating a nurturing environment provide a platform for student-athletes to reach their full potential, promoting a culture of excellence and sportsmanship.

Coach Kinkelaar's determination, talent recruitment, program growth, student-centered approach, collaborative leadership, and positive impact make him an exceptional Athletic Director and a true Rolesville Legacy. His dedication to the success and well-being of student-athletes, along with his ability to assemble an outstanding coaching staff, have greatly contributed to the growth and reputation of the Rolesville program. His leadership and vision serve as an inspiration to all those involved in the athletic community.

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“Whatever you do, do with determination. You have one life to live; do your work with passion and give your best. Whether you want to be a chef, doctor, actor, or a mother, be passionate to get the best result.” -Alia Bhatt