Kassie's Column: Thank you, Ronnie
LCS District Athletic Director, Ronnie Beverly (second from left), smiles with his daughter, Alexis (far left), wife, Tracy (center), daughter, Alycia and son-in-law, Jerrett, at a surprise fellowship held in his honor at the LSHS Media Center. {Kassaundra Shanette Lockhart/Davidson Local}
I’ve had the honor of knowing Ronnie Beverly since I was born. Our grandmothers were best friends who lived one house apart. As a little girl, I remember being out and about around town with my mama when I would hear people talking about our hometown Lexington Yellow Jackets football team. The adults would often chat about our “backfield” where Ronnie was the star running back. Even at my young age, I knew knowing Ronnie was pretty special.
As he went on to Winston-Salem State University, where he was a member of championship teams, and the United States Air Force, the conversations didn’t cease about Ronnie’s eptitude. Whether he was in town or not, the name was still esteemed throughout this city.
When Ronnie returned to take the reigns of the athletic program at our beloved alma mater, Lexington Senior High School, I was ecstatic. With my insight into who he was as a man and how he was revered in our community, I knew he was the perfect person to help move us forward.
I was still living in Raleigh when the change occurred. However, almost instantly I began to hear stories of how Ronnie’s approach to his calling was reverberating throughout the athletic department. I wasn’t surprised, of course. It was what I expected. I mean I did mention earlier that I was ecstatic when he was named athletic director.
Beginning in 2013, I started to frequently witness firsthand confirmation that what I expected was truly aligning with what we were receiving. I had recently moved back to Lexington and naturally started attending school and sporting events frequently. For almost 10 years, I’ve seen with my own eyes the impact that Ronnie has had on the school, our community and our students.
For that, I say thank you.
Thank you, Ronnie for nurturing the generation of Yellow Jackets that have walked the halls during your time at the school. You’ve poured into them, encouraged them, corrected them, cheered for them, laughed with them and helped to set them up for success. I don’t believe there’s a student that’s come through LSHS under your tenure that you don’t know by name.
Thank you, Ronnie for the countless hours you’ve spent cutting grass, painting stripes, sweeping floors, mopping the gym, picking up trash, taking money at the gates, serving as a PA announcer, providing color commentary, driving buses, letting people into the gym, washing uniforms, operating scoreboards, hauling stuff, leaf blowing and all the other stuff I can’t think of right now.
Thank you, Ronnie for the countless hours you’ve spent at the school. I’m certain I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve been there and didn’t see your truck parked in the back.
Thank you, Ronnie for the countless hours you’ve spent attending athletic contests, both home and away, no matter the hour or distance.
Thank you, Ronnie for being a walking example of leadership. Your kindness, integrity, courage, humility, thoughtfulness and resilience consistently rose to the top despite the many obstacles you’ve faced. Actions always speak louder than words. Always.
Thank you, Ronnie for being an ambassador for not only Lexington Senior High but the entire school system.
Thank you, Hall of Famer, for spearheading the creation of LSHS’ Athletic Hall of Fame.
Thank you, Ronnie for all you do, have done and will continue to do.
Thank you, Ronnie for your dedication to embodying what Jacket Pride is all about.
And last but certainly not least, thank you, thank you, thank you Ronnie for coming home.
You are appreciated.
