By Sylvester Nunnie Robinson
On Friday April 28th, 2023, Parkridge Elementary, under the leadership of Principal Samantha Whitehead and Assistant Principal Tiffany Monroe in conjunction with Hands on Broward, held its second annual “Real Men Read event. Representatives from various segments of Broward including Law Enforcement, Ministry, Business, Education, and the Fraternal Community joined ranks to demonstrate to the phenomenal Parkridge students the joy and importance of reading. After the reception in the library which included greetings from Assistant Principal Tiffany Monroe, Amanda Heichen, Math Coach and Event Coordinator, Parkridge Student Representative Jason Bonhomme, Guy Barmoha, Director of Secondary Learning, BCPS and Dr. Lori Canning, Executive Director of Student and Community Engagement, BCPS, a delectable, southern style breakfast was served to all because, as all educators are acutely aware, no student should enter a learning environment hungry ( in this instance volunteers). Excited, enthusiastic readers were individually escorted to their classrooms byParkridge young men dressed in ties, ensuring each volunteer’s presence in the appropriate classroom. As expected, their comportment, courteous behavior and dutiful attention was exemplary.
I had the honor of reading to Mrs. Hunt’s third grade class which ironically included my niece’s – ESE teacher Ms. Geneva Henry’s daughter, NeV’aeh Wells. And not long after we were joined by Mrs. Loray’s class, making for a full house. The students were absolutely amazing: attentive, engaging, and eager to answer questions or make comments when encouraged to respond.
Members of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. – Eta Nu and Zeta Chi Chapters – willingly and exuberantly participated in this awesome event: Dr. Robert Bailey, Eric Rucker, James Wimberly, Westside Gazette publisher Bobby Henry and Sylvester Robinson.
From my perspective, the “Real Men Read” event was an overwhelming success, and I firmly believe that the volunteers benefited from the experience as much as we pray the Parkridge family did. Thank you so much for allowing us to share, and we look forward with great anticipation to next year.
