Forrest Ward Racial Equity Award
In May of 2024 RARE presented its inaugural Racial Equity Awards to three individuals who have made outstanding contributions to improving the racial climate at RHS. The award was named after Forrest Ward, a former student athlete, coach and mentor to four generations of Roosevelt families. Each winner received an honorary plaque and a $100 contribution from RARE to a school-related organization of their choice. The awards were presented to students Amanuel Woldemedhen and Lawson Bailey, and teacher Erin Bailey (no relation) in an all-school assembly. They received an incredible, spontaneous ovation from all in attendance demonstrating how much respect the RHS student body and staff had for the winning individuals and their contributions to Roosevelt.
In the early Spring of each year RARE reaches out to the Roosevelt community to seek nominations of students, educators, or organizations who have made noteworthy contributions toward creating a climate of racial equity and who have made a positive impact on the overall racial atmosphere at RHS and its community. Sample actions to be considered might include:
- Defusing a racially charged situation
- Instituting a change in policy that positively impacted inequity
- Pointing out disparities
- Contributing to the success of POC students and staff
- Beginning an organization that positively impacts POC students
- Instituting programs that bring together racially diverse groups
- Being a role model for how to promote racial equity and inclusion
- Helping provide services and resources to POC students and families
The nominations are reviewed and winners selected by the RARE Scholarship and Awards Committee and presented at an all school assembly at the end of the school year.
Forrest Ward
RARE named this award for Forrest Ward ‘76, a beloved student, coach and mentor, whose life and work embodied the promotion of racial equity long before such actions were widely recognized. During his time at RHS Forrest positively influenced four generations of families. He received awards for his athleticism as a student and accolades from parents and students as a mentor and coach. Through his dedication of time and commitment to the students, Forrest motivated students to believe in themselves and thrive. Due to his unselfish generosity many economically-challenged students were able to participate in interscholastic sports. Forrest believed that every student had potential and didn’t want to see them denied an opportunity for growth just because they could not afford to participate in athletics. Shortly before his passing in 2015, Ward was inducted into the Roosevelt High School Sports Hall of Fame.
Award Winners
2024
Student Amanuel Woldemedhen, senior, made his mark as a leader particularly in Business and Marketing. For all four years he was a positive influence in the classroom and the DECA program. He encouraged other young Black men like himself to engage in academic activities by mentoring them in DECA competition and inspired them to challenge themselves with opportunities like the Accounting Career Awareness Program, a summer camp for students of color interested in the career of accounting. Last year he won 1st place in the world at DECA, an achievement that inspired others. Seeing him achieve this allowed them to see it for themselves. Not only was he outstanding in his academics, but he was also well-known for his exceptional commitment to and love for his family and friends. His commitment to scholarship and community will make a lasting impact on the Business and Marketing program and the larger environment at Roosevelt.
Student Lawson Bailey, senior, was a 4-yr athlete who found success and joy through sports his entire life. He is someone who never sought recognition for himself but led by example connecting with students whose life experiences might be different from his own. He tirelessly supported and encouraged his teammates and peers, lifting others up when they were going through tough times, offering rides, friendship, and mentorship. He recognized how fortunate he was to have family support and athletic talent, and at the same time worked hard to achieve at a high level. He shared his privileges with others, chasing down resources for those who might not have access. He helped get the boys’ volleyball program up and running here at Roosevelt to create opportunity for some students who needed a positive outlet outside of the football or basketball seasons. He is inclusive and welcoming, the epitome of a team player.
Teacher Erin Bailey is an RHS alum nominated by the counselors and the student success team. She stands out as a person dedicated to racial and socio-economic equity at school. The list of her endeavors is extensive. She started and sustains the school pantry. She visits RHS families in affordable housing doing outreach to parents and connecting them to RHS services. She brings in outside resources and mentors to school to support the students of color as well as connecting them to educational opportunities outside the building. Motivating students to engage in school is her specialty by running an intervention class for students who are struggling, as well as interacting positively with students in the hall, cheering them on at athletic events, and highlighting their successes. As a faculty member she consistently brings a racial equity perspective to all staff and support meetings.