Elisha “Cadillac” Harris, the school’s former educator and football coach who retired in 2021, gave the keynote speech for the African American Male Summit at Green Run High School on Jan. 24.
The 18th annual event was organized by the VBCPS Office of Opportunity and Achievement.
Throughout his presentation, Harris asked the group of about 400 middle and high school students to recite the summit’s theme honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“The time is always right to do what is right.”
Harris shared advice his parents gave him before he walked into an integrated fifth grade classroom.
“Expect some challenges,” they said. Remember to “treat other people the way you want to be treated.”
Doors will open for you today, he told attendees.
“Embrace the opportunities and do what’s right for you,” he said.
Students dispersed to workshops on topics including mental health, resume building and career readiness. They also visited the gym to learn about careers, post-high school education, school and city resources, mentorship programs and more.
Phi Beta Sigma fraternity members, including assistant principals Marcus Turner from Cox High and Bryce Mitchell of Churchland High in Portsmouth, volunteered at the event.
The mentors led sessions on values and leadership titled, “Stay Sharp, Stay Solid.”
Students were asked what they’d do in certain scenarios. For example, how would they react if a video of a fight was shared on an online group chat? Do you repost the video, send to others, comment, stay silent, delete?
Green Run Collegiate junior Kingston Privott said actions have consequences. Discussions ensued about doing the right thing.
“Keep everyone safe,” Turner said. “Be a leader and do not share negativity.”
Salem High assistant principal Dr. Corey Bács and former VBCPS administrator Tim Pellerin’s session, “The Playbook,” highlighted interview and interpersonal skills.
“Present your best self,” Bács said.
“First impressions are crucial,” Pellerin emphasized. “You never know who you are going to meet.” He shared how a chance meeting in a grocery store ultimately led him to play in the NFL.
Students prepared a concise “pitch” for themselves, describing their attributes and goals, and shared with the group.
They discussed the importance of projecting confidence, making eye contact, dressing for success, post-interview follow-up and more.
Approximately 50 registered for parent sessions, which focused on available mental health services, VBCPS resources and Advanced Technology Center programs.
Anthony Joseph’s son is in the seventh grade at Old Donation School.
“The seminars and school counselors have helped me understand so much,” he said.
He also has grown children and said so much has changed since they were in school, especially because of social media.
Tallwood High counselor Marcus Rinehardt said the summit provided space for students with a commonality to come together to converse and share experiences.
“Some of this subject matter we don’t get to discuss in the classroom,” he said.
Juniors Quasin Floyd of The Entrepreneurial and Business Academy at Kempsville High School and Sean-Carter Mack from Green Run High have both attended three summits.
“I’ve made more connections and learned from others,” Sean-Carter said. His takeaway: “Believe in yourself and don’t let people bring you down.”
Quasin joined the Kappa League, thanks to a summit. He said the leadership initiative fosters brotherhood and personal development.
The summits have provided the opportunity to network and meet new people, he said.
“Every time I leave, it’s with lessons learned.”
