By Jheri Hardaway
Staff Writer
Raleigh, NC - Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School (SRMHS) held its inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony recently. This historic occasion recognized individuals whose dedication, leadership, athletic achievements, and commitment to student development that help shaped the legacy of the schools athletics. The milestone event spanned a full weekend, featuring a special homecoming football game, a formal induction ceremony, a star walk, and a permanently installed digital monitor on campus showcasing inductee biographies.
A major highlight was the induction of the late John W. Modest, Jr., who served as the first principal of Southeast Raleigh High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Northeastern University and a Master of Arts degree in Educational Administration from North Carolina Central University. He also pursued graduate studies at Harvard University, North Carolina State University, and Northeastern University.
Throughout his distinguished career, Brother Modest served in several school systems, including Cambridge Public Schools in Massachusetts, the Wake County Public School System, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Guilford County Schools, and the Houston Independent School District in Texas. His leadership roles included counselor, assistant principal, principal, and regional superintendent. He served as principal of West Charlotte High School and later led Worthing High School in Houston, Texas. His work reflected a commitment to educational opportunity, effective school leadership, and improved student outcomes.
Mr. Modest earned significant recognition throughout his career. He was named Wake County Middle School Principal of the Year and was selected twice as North Carolina PTA Educator of the Year. He was also recognized as the only principal in North Carolina to have served at two schools that received the prestigious Governor’s Award.
Additional inductees into the inaugural class include: Sydney Little (Soccer), Wayne Davis (Track and Field), Darrius Barnes (Soccer), Gabby Mayo (Track and Field), Leroy Harris (Fooball/Wrestling), Ronnie Taylor (Basketball), Arielle Chambers (Volleyball, Cheer), Jessica Hawkins (Basketball), William Powell (Girls Basketball Coach), Sumner Tate (Golf). William Walker (Basketball Coach).
Founded in 1997, Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School is one of 26 high schools within the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS), four being magnet schools. SRMHS is a comprehensive magnet with the theme University Connections: School of Design, Arts & Engineering. WCPSS is recognized as one of the best school systems statewide and nationally.
The student body consists of seventy percent base students (assigned) and thirty percent magnet students (application). The school's enrollment is approximately 1,600 students in grades 9-12 and a faculty of 143 professionals. The school is on a modified calendar track. The school year begins in July and is composed of two 90-day semesters with four nine-week grading periods. There are two two-week breaks between each semester and a seven-week summer break at the end of the school year. The school day consists of four 90-minute blocks.
As freshmen, students are introduced to the four pathways through University Connections, an exploratory course for all ninth-grade students. Upon completion of University Connections, students declare their pathway of either Design, Arts, Engineering, or Humanities.
As a proud graduate of the 2007 class of SRMHS, the School’s Inaugural Hall of Fame Class is a step in the right direction to honor the students and leaders who made substantial impacts. I hope this hall of fame gives students something to strive for and folks to admire as they matriculate and move forward on their life’s journey.
