Tony Beasley, a Caroline County native and third base coach for the Texas Rangers, kicked off the last day before Thanksgiving break for students at Lotus Academy with a motivational message.
The students who attend the alternative school program in Ladysmith gathered to listen to Beasley’s “Tony Tuesday” podcast in which the deacon at Jerusalem Baptist Church in Sparta shared a lesson on gratitude.
“No matter what situation we’re in, we still have a lot to be thankful for,” Beasley said of his message to the students.
Beasley later joined a group of faith leaders, community members and school officials who came to the school Tuesday afternoon for a Thanksgiving luncheon in support of the program’s 12 students.
A traditional Thanksgiving meal was prepared and served by members of County Line Baptist Church as clergy and community leaders interacted with the students — letting them know that despite challenges they’ve faced, they are loved and supported wholeheartedly.
“It shows them that there are people that are in service to them in the community, and it humanizes the kids and also makes us human in their eyes,” said Robert Wade, a history and government teacher at the school. “We’re all together in this, and they don’t always get to see that … We are really one community. The teachers, the pastors, the community members, we’re all one. I think they now see that, and it’s very meaningful.”
Tony Beasley (black shirt) and members of Jerusalem Baptist Church encourage a student during a Thanksgiving luncheon on Tuesday. (Photo by Taft Coghill Jr.)
English teacher Licia Jones-Reynolds said students and staff celebrate together regularly, but they decided to invite the community to join them this time. Jones-Reynolds and other staff members said the buy-in from the community is uplifting.
“It’s good to know that they support us, because we can’t do it by ourselves,” Jones-Reynolds said. “We need to let our kids know that we all come together to love on them and take care of them, not just for the food, but for the love. Even after Thanksgiving, the love is still going to be there.”
In 2022, Second Baptist Church in Ruther Glen “adopted” Lotus Academy, offering spiritual guidance to staff, providing financial support for programs and celebrating occasions at the school. Pennie Stallworth, the executive administrator of the church, said members pray each Monday specifically for students, staff and the facilities.
Saundra Werts, the first lady at Second Baptist and a former educator in North Carolina, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, said part of her church’s vision “is to impact our community by demonstrating the love of God.” Pastor and Bishop Arthur Werts said leaders wanted to take on the challenge of Lotus, whose students are working to overcome various hardships. He said the program has been mutually enriching.
“We wanted to make an impact on the students’ lives here at Lotus because education is so important,” Saundra Werts said. “They are valued, and we wanted them to know we support them, no matter why they’re here. They’re not going to leave the same way they came because of the impact the teachers here are making, the school system is making, and the churches are making.”
Caroline County Public Schools Superintendent Sarah Calveric interacts with students during a Thanksgiving luncheon on Tuesday. (Photo by Taft Coghill Jr.)
Melissa White was named the new Lotus Academy administrator two months ago, replacing Darlene Keener. White said listening to Beasley’s message Tuesday was part of the students’ “social-emotional learning” that occurs on a regular basis. She said having Beasley and others come to the Thanksgiving gathering and offer support boosted the students’ morale.
“It shows them that people show up. Strangers show up for you. That’s empowering,” White said.
Caroline County Public Schools Superintendent Sarah Calveric noted that a Virginia Department of Education grant a few years ago helped bolster the Lotus Academy program that she now considers “utopic.”
Calveric said supporting students in alternative school is one of her passions, and the grant “breathed life” into Lotus.
“It’s been transformed to a welcoming place where students feel a sense of belonging, where their trauma is recognized, acknowledged and supported,” Calveric said. “They can build a toolbox that they bring back to the school they departed … This [luncheon] is the visible evidence of the work over the past two to three years.”
Beasley said Tuesday was his first time visiting Lotus, but now he wants to get more involved, become a “beacon of light” and help change kids’ lives when he’s home during Major League Baseball’s offseason.
Lotus freshman Yousef Lee, who came from Caroline High School, said the experience has already benefited him.
“It’s great,” Lee said. “You’re not in the high school, but you get a lot of work done when you’re here. It’s more one-on-one … I think they really care a lot about your well-being, and helping you graduate. They really treat you like family here.”
