ORANGEBURG, S.C. -- South Carolina State University Head Football Coach Emeritus Willie Jeffries has won
about every award imaginable, but he considered witnessing the expansion of a school
named in his honor among his greatest accomplishments.
The Willie Jeffries School of Excellence at 3029 Five Chop Road in Orangeburg boasts
over 400 students in grades K-8.
The school has expanded its campus with the addition of a new building for which Jeffries
helped cut the ribbon during a ceremony held on Aug. 3.
'I just feel fortunate'
Jeffries, an SC State alumnus who served as the head football coach at SC State for
19 seasons in two stints, said he felt good about the school's mission and expansion.
He also reflected on the educational foundation that SC State laid for him and its
continued mission under current SC State President Alexander Conyers.
"I feel great. It goes to show you what President Conyers has said about South Carolina
State. You can go anywhere from there. I'm so happy to have attended that school and
for all they taught me to do and the love it has shown," Jeffries said.
"We're here celebrating a school named after one of its graduates. I just feel fortunate
to be here.... I made the right move by coming to South Carolina State. It's the reason
I'm standing here today," he said, noting that he also appreciated the support of
his wife of 65 years, Mary.
The school's new building includes a full-size gym and cafeteria, a special education
room and office spaces for school clerks, receptionists and administrators. The space
also includes a conference room and workroom for staff.
The expansion marks another milestone for the charter school, which continues to grow
while carrying forward the values of the man whose name it bears.
"This school reflects our collective belief that every child deserves a safe, welcoming
and inspiring place to learn. It represents our commitment to future generations and
our confidence in the potential of every student who will walk through these doors,"
said Stewart Weinberg, chairman of the Berkeley Charter Education Association's board
of directors.
Weinberg thanked everyone who he said made the school expansion possible, including
community supporters.
"Thank you for your vision, dedication and belief in this project. A special thanks
to Willie Jeffries for being that great model for all of us," Weinberg said.
He also acknowledged the late Orangeburg businessman Jim Roquemore, who donated the
land on which the school was built and recently passed away.
"Jim's enthusiasm for education and the community of Orangeburg was central for us
here. He donated this land, introduced Willie and Mary to the board, and he was always
involved at every step along the way. He will always hold a very honored place in
our hearts," Weinberg said.
For Jeffries, the new building represents more than an expanded campus. He said he
hopes the school bearing his name will remind every child that success is determined
by opportunity and perseverance, not circumstance.
Jeffries said he hoped the school would be a model of academic excellence for all
students.
"Success has no ZIP code. They're all on the same level playing field.... You're looking
at a person whose daddy died when he was four years old. My mother never remarried.
We were very poor. We had to put Kool-Aid on layaway," he said, but that did not deter
him from his dreams.
"We believe here at this school that all students can fly to the skies of academic
success. Some of them just need a longer runway.... Nothing can produce a winner like
a little teamwork will. Teamwork from the custodian, who is just as important as the
principal, to all through the school," Jeffries said.
"I want this school to first represent a lot of love for the community and for the
students. Also, academic excellence is what we strive for," he said.
'Looking forward to great things'
While community leaders reflected on the school's growth, students were already looking
ahead to the opportunities awaiting them when classes begin.
Eleven-year-old sixth graders Ayana Dizzley and Allie Williams said they were ready
for the school year to begin.
"I'm looking forward to meeting my new teacher. I'm looking forward to learning new
things and more different things," Dizzley said.
Williams said, "I'm looking forward to being with my friends and having good grades
and learning."
Parents attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony said the school's expansion gives them
confidence that their children will have the support they need to succeed.
Alison Haggwood and Jasmine Amous were among the parents who attended the ribbon cutting
and whose children would also be attending the Willie Jeffries School of Excellence.
Haggwood's 5-year-old son, Grayson, will be attending kindergarten. Amous' son, Brandon,
will be entering the 7th grade.
"First of all, I like the new principal's standards and expectations for the staff
as well as the students. I also like the fact that they wear uniforms because my son's
coming from a childcare center, and they wore uniforms. I think that's a part of helping
kids with their confidence," she said.
"I also think the smaller classes will be helpful for him. He has a lot of energy,
so he just needs more attention. I'm just looking forward to the experience. I think
he'll do well here," Haggwood said.
Amous said she shares that optimism from two perspectives, both as a parent and as
a member of the school's staff.
Amous, who will also serve as the school's PowerSchool administrator, said, "This
is going to be my son's first year here. I'm excited because I've heard so many wonderful
things. I just started working here, and the support is amazing."
Amous said school principal Kenneth Coles was also enthusiastic about helping students.
"I cannot wait to get the school year started. I'm looking forward to great things.
The teachers are supportive and everything has been so good so far. I know the children
are going to have a good year," she said.
Amous said the school's namesake was also inspiring. She said the word legacy came
to mind.
"I think of legacy when I hear the name Willie Jeffries. I was so excited to see him.
Everybody talks really well about him. I was starstruck when I saw him, I really was,"
she said.
Coles said the enthusiasm surrounding the expansion reflects the momentum he hopes
to build upon as the school prepares for the new academic year.
School Principal Kenneth Coles said, "I just really want Willie Jeffries School of
Excellence to be a beacon of light. I don't want it to be another choice; I want it
to be the choice."
"The outpouring today kind of gives me an insight of what's to come. It shows that
we've turned the corner and that things are going to be better. They had a rough two
years and we have a lot of work to do, but I believe with determination and the community
and supportive staff behind us, we don't have any choice but to go up from here,"
the principal said.
