WID-WID-WIDI

WID-WID-WIDI: Why I Do, What I Do, Where I Do It

Being a Black male and seeing the shortage of fathers in so many homes, drives me to continue to do what I do. This is my passion. It is not a coincidence that I am here at St. Philip’s School & Community Center.

Joe Yow

Kindergarten Math/Science Teacher

God has graced us all with spiritual and natural gifts that He intends for us to use

to change lives. It brings me joy to do what I do knowing that the end-result is helping a young child develop and grow by being a positive influence in their life. Being a Black male and seeing the shortage of fathers in so many homes, drives me to continue to do

what I do. This is my passion. It is not a coincidence that I

am here at St. Philip’s School & Community Center. At first, I was a little skeptical about teaching Kindergarten, but every year, God assures me by the students that come into my classroom, that I am exactly where I am supposed to be.

Joe Yow, Kindergarten Teacher

Tamekia Booker-Wallace

Pre-K2 Teacher

I am blessed with the

opportunity to share my days with 15 fantastically interesting two and three year olds at St. Philip’s. They are full of active curiosity, vigor and just a few clouds. I have immersed myself in the Early Childhood world for over 18 years.

In my years of teaching, I have encountered countless teaching styles. The heavenly Father has allowed me a gift of meshing educational concepts with hands-on experiences. I have experimented with real life experiences including cooking in the classroom, theme-based lessons, and learning excursions. Whenever possible, I refine, throw out, revamp, look and pray for the inspiration that brings innovation to my classroom. For me, teaching is a creative experience!

Coach Eddie Fletcher

Athletic Director

I have always had a passion for mentoring youth in sports, teaching them life skills, and providing them with positive experiences. My drive to work with children came from my own personal experience of having two parents that supported me financially and emotionally in everything I attempted to do in my early life. I came to St. Philip’s first as a volunteer coach in 1996 after operating my own organization for over 15 years. I was inspired by the drive that so many of the St. Philip’s Saints players had but saw there were not many volunteers to help keep them going in the right direction.

Being Athletic Director at St. Philip’s School & Community Center allows me to mentor and direct children and young men on a larger scale. It offers me the chance to give something back to the community and make a difference to the people that I love to see grow. It is so fulfilling to see success in those that come through our program. I’ve helped those who had no other place to turn find a road to receiving a college education, the Pros, becoming professionals, and productive citizens of society. This has had a profound effect on my life. It fills my heart when young men return and thank me for being a positive influence. Those moments are always confirmation for Why I Do, What I Do, and Where I Do It.