2025 Forrest Ward Racial Equity Award Honorees

Roosevelt High School’s gym was bursting with energy as students filled the bleachers for the 2024/25 end of year Moving Up Assembly. The band played. The Cheer and Dance teams kept enthusiasm high! In between the performances students were recognized with awards in academics, leadership and activities.

Among the recognitions were RARE’s annual Forrest Ward Racial Equity Awards. 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.

The awards were presented by Allynn Ruth, incoming Chair of RARE’s Scholarship and Awards Committee, and Sonja Mitchell, RHS Equity Team Chair, to one student and one staff member. They were honored for their efforts to promote racial equity at RHS, not only in the way they treat others, but also for specific activities that create an inclusive and supportive learning and social environment. Each of honoree was presented with a plaque and a $100 donation from RARE in their name to a school-related organization of their choice.

The award winners received an incredible, spontaneous ovation from the assembled students who clearly respected what they have contributed to Roosevelt. What a great way to end the school year!

• Paki Crawford, a senior, was recognized for helping to create a caring and inspiring environment and encouraging his peers to be inclusive, both on the athletic field and in the classroom. He is an acknowledged leader among his peers. A star football player, Paki was injured and unable to play all year but nevertheless, attended every game, encouraging and leading his teammates from the sidelines. His leadership was also visible in the classroom where he is an excellent student, focused on his studies but also eager to support his peers.
• Counselor and Black Student Union advisor Courtney Judkins was honored for work in creating safe spaces for all students to share concerns. Students really open up to her and are comfortable conveying challenging personal experiences. She is known as a great listener and does so without judgment. Noticing that a large number of students of color and their families were not attending after school events, she launched the first POC Family Night to create a more welcoming space for families to learn how their students could best be supported at RHS.