March 30, 2009
Pillars of Hope challenges fifth graders to ‘historic’ game of Jeopardy
jwedow@admin.rochester.edu
Students at Rochester City School No. 29, including Kenyatta Lewis (above) and Lennis Williams (below right), showcase their knowledge of African-American history during a game of Black History Month Jeopardy. Deborah McDell-Hernandez, coordinator of community programs and outreach for the Memorial Art Gallery, (below right) hosted the quiz game with other members of the University’s Pillars of Hope.
Lennis Williams
Deborah McDell Hernandez
Ten-year-old Kory Watt props himself up on the edge of his chair, covers his mouth, and holds his hand high in the air.
“This 33-year-old professional golfer’s achievements make him one of the greatest golfers of all time,” reads Deborah McDell-Hernandez, coordinator of community programs and outreach for the Memorial Art Gallery.
Kory, a fifth-grader at Rochester City School No. 29, looks as if he might burst if he doesn’t give his answer, but he’s encouraged to work with fellow classmates before announcing the response: “Who is Tiger Woods?”
The team erupts in applause and cheers when the students find out they are correct.
Teamwork was one of the themes stressed by the Pillars of Hope from the University during their visit to the city school on February 26 for a session of Black History Month Jeopardy.
The Pillars of Hope program is an initiative of the City of Rochester’s Bureau of Youth Services that encourages African-American professionals to adopt a city classroom.
“The idea is to instill role models from a wide diversity of professions and careers,” says Pillar member Damian Garcia, a community programs counselor in College admissions.
The University’s Pillars include Garcia and McDell-Hernandez, as well as Lydia Crews, Marvin Doyley, Kareem Hayes, Janice Holland, Janet Koslow, Collette Noel, Dena Swanson, and Michelle Thompson-Taylor. This was the Pillars’ second visit with the class this year. Three more are planned this school year.
Latoya Crockton, a coteacher in the fifth-grade inclusive classroom, says the questions for Jeopardy were developed based on lessons taught in the class. She adds that the kids look forward to visits from the Pillars. “It’s motivation for them,” she adds.
The 18 youngsters in the class showed off their knowledge of famous African-Americans during the game, identifying Jackie Robinson, Denzel Washington, Thurgood Marshall, Will Smith, Barack Obama, Frederick Douglas, Maya Angelou, and others.One team struggles to remember the name of tennis star Serena Williams’s sister.
“Work with your team,” Garcia advises them. “Trust your instincts.”
And they do. The team gives the correct answer: Venus Williams.
At the end of the game, students are rewarded with prizes like pencils and snacks.
Pillar member Collette Noel, a secretary in the Center for Community Health, leaves them with this message: “Every month we should be inspired by the accomplishments of people like us who have left their mark on history.”
To learn more about Pillars of Hope, contact Garcia at 275-0944 or damian.garcia@rochester.edu.
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