Newport News and Christopher Newport University Community Walk visits Riverside ES
Posted: November 13, 2023
Christopher Newport University President William Kelly's series of community walks as he continues his first year as president took him through the Shoe Lane neighborhood to Riverside Elementary School for a rousing welcome on November 13.
Kelly walked with a group of Newport News community members that included School Board Chairman Lisa Surles-Law, Vice Mayor Curtis D. Bethany, III, Acting City Manager Alan Archer, Police Chief Steve Drew, and numerous students, citizens and police officers. Kelly encouraged participants to take advantage of the chance to meet and speak with someone new as they made their way to and from Riverside.
"This is an important opportunity for us just to get to know each other, to get to know our community and for me to get to know you just a little bit better," Kelly said. "My wife Angie and I have been so welcomed by this entire community since we arrived here in July and we are thrilled to be here."
The Riverside Elementary School Boomin' Bears Drumline greeted the visitors with a performance out in front of the school. Riverside Principal Timothy Edwards welcomed the group and Kelly posed for photos with the drumline.
"Thank you all for coming and spending a little time with us; we appreciate it," Edwards said.
Kelly led the drumline in cheers of "Go Bears" and "Go Captains." He then presented Edwards with a cartload of sidewalk chalk for the school.
"As a show of thanks and support for everything that you do," Kelly said. "You are right here on the front lines helping develop the next generation of great citizens for our nation, and you're doing a great job at it."View the Facebook Photo Album