Overview:
St. Philip's School & Community Center celebrated its 25th anniversary with a Silver Celebration Destiny Awards Luncheon, sponsored by JP Morgan Chase. The event honored the legacy of excellence and impact of the school, which has transformed lives in South Dallas through education and service. The luncheon also featured a fireside chat between Julius "Dr. J" Erving and Jackie Joyner-Kerse, and the Humanitarian Award was presented to Rozene and the late Charley Pride. The event highlighted the school's commitment to academic excellence, community service, and the empowerment of the next generation.
For the past 25 years, St. Philip’s School & Community Center has taken bold steps—transforming lives, uplifting families, and strengthening the Dallas community through education and service. This unwavering faith in action was on full display at the Silver Celebration Destiny Awards Luncheon, a milestone event sponsored by JP Morgan Chase, honoring a legacy of excellence, impact, and unstoppable belief in the power of change.
From the inspiring words of keynote speaker Julius “Dr. J” Erving to the heartfelt recognition of Humanitarian Award recipients Rozene and the late Charley Pride, the event was a testament to the resilience and generosity of those dedicated to shaping a better future.
A Celebration of Purpose and Perseverance
A highlight of the afternoon was the fireside chat with Julius “Dr. J” Erving, moderated by three-time Olympic gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kerse.
NBA legend “Dr. J” took the stage, not as a basketball icon but as a champion of perseverance, leadership, and giving back. His message was clear: true greatness lies in service. His words echoed through the room, reminding everyone that impact is measured not by personal accolades but by the lives we uplift.
Their powerful exchange on perseverance, leadership, and legacy made the event truly inspiring.
Adding to the moment, selected St. Philip’s students had the opportunity to engage with Dr. J, asking thoughtful questions that showcased their curiosity and ambition. Hearing two Black icons share wisdom while witnessing the next generation actively participate was a testament to St. Philip’s commitment to excellence, faith, and community impact.
Thanks to the dedication of Luncheon Chairs Carolyn and David Miller, Host Committee Chairs Marlena and Brent English, and Underwriting Chairs Gwen and Arthur George, this 25th-anniversary celebration was a powerful reminder of St. Philip’s mission: to educate, empower, and transform communities through faith and service.
Honoring a Legacy of Change
The tribute to Rozene and the late Charley Pride, recipients of the Humanitarian Award Charley Pride, a country music pioneer, broke racial barriers with his voice, while Rozene continues to honor their shared commitment to service. Their legacy stands as a testament to the impact of using one’s platform to inspire change.
The event’s success was also made possible by Speaker Sponsors Jewel and Roland Parrish, whose generosity ensures that St. Philip’s can continue providing life-changing educational opportunities and vital community resources.
Faith in the Future
While the Silver Celebration reflected on 25 years of excellence, it was also a powerful reminder that the journey continues. The mission is far from over. The need is still great. The faith that built this legacy must continue to propel it forward.
As an alumnus, sitting among business leaders, educators, and changemakers, I felt the weight of legacy and the power of Black excellence come full circle. This very institution poured into me, and now, I have witnessed its continued impact on the next generation. In that moment, I was reminded that when a community moves in faith and action, it doesn’t just achieve the impossible—it builds a lasting legacy for those who come after us.
St. Philip’s has long been a beacon of light, hope, and transformation in South Dallas, pouring into the community through education, service, and faith. The school provides top-tier education for kids from PreK2 to 8th grade, and the results speak for themselves—100% of St. Philip’s alumni graduate from high school, and 95% go on to college, far exceeding the local graduation rate of 48% and college attendance rate of just 4%.
In May 2024, St. Philip’s proudly graduated its first-ever class of 8th graders, with 13 scholars earning over $300,000 in high school scholarships—this displays the school’s commitment to academic excellence. Just months later, in September 2024, the school was honored as a U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School, a prestigious national recognition that solidifies its place among the best in the country.
Beyond the classroom, St. Philip’s is the heart of the community, serving over 8,000 neighbors each year. Funds raised through the Destiny Awards Luncheon help fuel critical programs, including senior transportation, housing support, hunger relief through Aunt Bette’s Community Pantry, and enrichment programs for families and children. And with over 1,500 kids participating in St. Philip’s athletics programs, the school continues to uplift and empower the next generation, ensuring its legacy of faith, service, and excellence shines even brighter.
Congratulations to St. Philip’s School & Community Center on 25 years of transformation. Here’s to the next 25—rooted in faith, driven by purpose, and destined for even greater impact.
