Richard Koonce, formerly of the Pittsburgh Steelers and NFL Europe, gladly accepted the offer to make a surprise visit for the seniors of Southside’s young men’s group, the Distinguished Men of Purpose, on May 26. Mr. Koonce will also be playing for the UFL this year.
Mr. Koonce met the six seniors in the media center and autographed a new football for each of them. The footballs were donated by the group’s mentors (Jerry Hamilton, Otis Harrell, SHS assistant principal Marquez Jackson, Milton Ruffin, and Sam Williams) and SHS principal Rick Anderson. Mr. Koonce also shared words of encouragement as finals exams were quickly approaching.
The visit was special because Mr. Koonce and his fiancée Danielle Melvin, an instructor at ECU, were guest speakers for the Distinguished Men of Purpose on May 4. Both of them encouraged the group, which is comprised of 9th-12th graders, to never give up on their dreams and to focus on where they are going, not where they are from.
The Distinguished Men of Purpose’s end-of-the-year celebration was held afterschool on May 21 for the students who had the best attendance and participation throughout the year. It included a cookout from Steve Fuchs, the agriculture teacher at Southside, certificates for the students, and a necktie. The ties were graciously donated to the group by New Birth Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ out of Washington.
