Family, friends, community members, former students and athletes, colleagues, fellow teachers and supporters joined together on Monday, May 2 to celebrate the life and work of Dr. Ronald L. Jackson for his 50 years of service to education and his community.

The event was hosted by True Insight, Inc. founded by Deacon Donald Fryer of Newburgh, titling the celebration of this occasion “Celebrating a Champion”. Prior to the opening ceremony, members of the event paused for a moment of prayer and a singing of Lift Every Voice and Sing kicked off the ceremony.

Jackson was born in Portsmouth, Virginia and excelled on the football and track team and graduated from Crestwood Senior High School in 1965. Jackson attended Virginia State University on a scholastic athletic scholarship where he went on to play baseball and ran track. In 1970, Jackson received his bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Health. Jackson also completed his Master’s Degree in Physical Education from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut and obtained a second Master’s Degree in School Administration from the State University of New York [SUNY] at New Paltz.

Over 43 years of Jackson’s life was dedicated to the Newburgh Enlarged City School District and he coached basketball for 25 years. Jackson also served as principal of North Junior High and South Middle School. He also has served in the school districts in Poughkeepsie.

Guest speakers for the event included Mayor Torrance Harvey, who presented a certificate of recognition on behalf of the City of Newburgh. Pastor Dr. Bruce Davis of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Eric Jackson of Virginia State University, Brenda Sanders, a former principal in the district and Charles Cotten were also in attendance.

DaRon Wilson of My Brother’s Keeper in the City of Poughkeepsie presented to Jackson a LifeTime Achievements award as applause came from the crowd.

Dennis McHolder and Harold Cousar, former students who played basketball for Dr. Jackson from 1981 to 1984 shared words on their former coach. “I can say in our lifetime, he probably made us who we are today. He was tough on us playing basketball and what not but he taught us the right way,” McHolder said.

“We wish the best for him and he’s the best,” Cousar said. “Best coach we ever had. Thanks for teaching us how to be men, correct men.”

Corey Allen, a lifelong resident of the City of Newburgh and who currently works for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh shared that he was a former student of Jackson, had family members play on the basketball team and shared praise for Jackson and his work.

“He’s the ultimate paradigm for what Black men should be and what we should strive to be,” Allen said. “I wish you continued success in everything you do.”

According to Harvey, Jackson was a mentor to him when he first started his educational career 23 years ago. “This man, he changed a lot of people’s lives, including mine. He’s over 50 years of service. Over 50 years of service in the education field as a teacher, coach, principal. This man has done a lot for a lot of people,” Harvey said. “He’s a role model, he’s an educator, he is the epitome of who we all strive to be.”