inspiration
DeVont’e Roach Is Reaching For His Dream
Earlier this year before a packed auditorium at the School for Creative and Performing Arts, a young man with a destiny came onto the stage. DeVont’e Roach was one of 40 teens being honored that night by the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati for living his life upon the values of caring, respect, responsibility and honesty. He is a young person totally committed to making this world a better place, to living out dreams and giving your voice purpose.
A recent graduate of Purcell Marian High School, DeVont’e is already an accomplished philanthropist, singer, song writer and composer. And at the end of this summer he will also be a student at the acclaimed Berklee College of Music in Boston with help from a scholarship.
Tonight on Fountain Square, DeVont’e will become the 15th recipient of a Michael W. Bany Scholarship, established in honor of Cincinnati’s popular musician who was murdered after a performance in 1995. After the presentation DeVot’e will sing a song with the Sonny Moorman Group as part of the PNC Summer Music Series.
How exciting for him!
Below is the bio for DeVont’e from the YMCA Character Awards (written in April, 2011)
Life isn’t always easy, but often times through perseverance you gain strength and a renewed direction. In DeVont’e’s case, he grew wings. The academic honors student has found his spark in music and giving back. At 18, DeVont’e is already an accomplished songwriter and composer with two recently released singles. His yearning to make a difference has found him in Mississippi helping with Hurricane Katrina clean-up, in Kenya teaching children and spreading the message of peace, and in school sitting on his student council. DeVont’e also co-edits a newsletter for nonprofit Elementz, serves as youth commissioner for the Cincinnati Recreation Commission, and works part-time at the Melrose YMCA. He has been honored with the Public Speaking Artistry Award by the Fine Arts Fund, and with the Freshman Leadership and Morality Awards from his high school.
A Young Man’s Legacy Is Creating Lifelong Summer Memories For Kids
Working with the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati, I am so fortunate to be continually inspired by the actions of those with whom I work and get to know. Lois Fischer is the office manager of the Clippard Family YMCA. She is someone with a huge heart and a passion for kids.
You can imagine the devastation for her – and her family – about five years ago when they tragically lost Andrew far too soon. Still in high school, Andrew loved life. He loved to learn and to share, to explore and to experience. All of those things he did through camp…
And so, through camp, Lois and her family want to carry on Andrew’s legacy. They created Andrew’s Kids Scholarship Fund to give kids in their area whose families otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it, those life changing moments at YMCA Camp Ernst. This year with the help of the YMCA, family and friends, they raised enough to provide 14 children with scholarships. I was there on the night that Lois handed on the certificates.
Below is a group photo (of those who could be there) and a video I created about it.
People Who Inspire Me: Ann Lightfoot
It’s been awhile since I’ve written a ‘People Who Inspire Me’ post but you’re going to start seeing more of them as I make it a regular feature. I have been so blessed to have had so many truly wonderful people come into my life and I’d like to share some of their stories.
I can’t even remember how long ago it has been since Ann and I first met, but one thing that has always meant a lot to me is how welcoming she has always made me feel. Her smile is absolute genuine. She loves life and gives with all of her heart. Sadly I don’t get to see Ann very much (except online through Facebook and Twitter). I look forward to every opportunity to get together.
Below is a little bit about Ann’s story.
What you do professionally?
I’m a human resources/payroll/social media/risk manager for Harper Oil Products, Inc. and Harper Properties, Inc. dba HOP Shops and DQ Grill & Chill of Walton.
I’m also the assistant/photographer/partner (APP) with Christiaan Todd Photography. We capture a variety of images: Art, Weddings, Reunions, Graduations, Posed Shots, Action Shots, Performances, Tournaments, Organizations, Portraits, Head Shots, Pets, People, Commercial Photos, Product Photos, Ads, Reports, Brochures, Magazines, Exhibits, Newsletters, Presentations, Events, etc. By the way, you can find their Facebook link here.
What are your simple pleasures in life?
I love to be with people I care about, as well as meeting new people. One of my favorite things to do is listen. I enjoy listening to the sounds of the country like birds chirping, raindrops, creeks trickling, owls hooting, cows mooing, trees rustling, cicada sounds, and big bull frogs croaking.
Who is your role model and what have you learned from him/her?
I have learned the most about leadership from John Maxwell who has written more than 50 books on the subject.
I also learned a lot about physical strength, emotional strength and strength of purpose from the United States Army.
What inspires you to be who you are?
People that come into my life that are having a hard time but are still being positive. They inspire me.
What is one of your life lessons you’d like to share?
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
What about this day has made it a good day?
This day is good because the people I love are doing well. We have family excited about having a baby and some are excited about getting married soon. I’m putting people to work which is always a great feeling. I enjoyed smiles and laughter with my fiancé Christiaan, and my two daughters TODAY. “Enjoying every moment”
Children Learn How To Live A Happy Life
Caught Being Good
I love this. What a fun and creative way of encouraging positive values in children. When I visited the R.C. Durr YMCA preschool last week this caught my eye. Teachers there are on high alert every day…to catch good behavior. And from the looks of it, there is a lot of good behavior to recognize. It’s amazing how when you reinforce the behaviors you want to see more of, that’s exactly what you end up seeing.
