Live Oak — The first ever Gary Edwards Leadership Day was held on Saturday, March 9, at Suwannee High School, organized by twin brothers and Suwannee High School graduates, Sherman and Sherwin Riley. 
Sherman, who lives in Jacksonville conducts these types of seminars there, while brother Sherwin conducts them in Fort Lauderdale where he lives. The event was a collaborative effort by the Riley’s, several other individuals and also Knots4Kids, a Jacksonville based organization, whose team also specializes in conducting these types of events.

Gary Edwards Leadership Day was named for off-duty Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Gary Edwards who was killed by a drunk driver in May 2011.
The event is designed for young men in grades four through 12 focusing on teaching modules that support their needs in several areas. Five of the modules that were conducted that day were Health and Fitness, Crime Prevention, Dressing for Success, Dining Etiquette and Chivalry.

“This time last year, we were talking about needing something back home in our community,” said Sherwin.

He and his brother wanted to give back to the community where they grew up and also honor Edwards. Incidentally, Edwards was the Riley’s baseball coach while they were in high school.

“That’s really how we bonded with him,” said Sherwin. “He was awesome, just an all-American guy.”

They hoped that by using Edwards’ life as an example of excellence, they would succeed in both honoring him and making an impact in the lives of the younger men coming up.

“We reached out to Robyne (widow of the late Gary Edwards) and asked her to see if it was fine if we actually did this,” said Sherwin. “Once we got her ‘go’, we were in full-blast planning. That’s pretty much how it got started.”

Robyne was touched and honored that her husband was a model and the reason for the event.

“I wasn’t really aware of the organization until this came about, the Knots4Kids, but I think it’s a wonderful, amazing thing that they’re doing for the boys in honor of Gary,”  said Robyne. “I’m just glad I was able to be a part of it and I hope all the boys get something from it. It’s been amazing, just to see everyone all his friends come out to support it. I’m just in awe.”

The Rileys were pleased at the numbers in attendance for the event. Originally they were going to allow boys grades six through 11 participate, but decided that teaching the younger men would be beneficial as well.

“We’re expecting about 70 kids,” said Sherman. “We opened up from fourth to twelfth grade.”

There were 72 boys who participated that day.

The Rileys both commented on how they received so much help and support from the many who were involved.

Sherwin explained that since he and his brother no longer live in Live Oak, they thought it best to form a local committee. This way they could still conduct meetings through weekly phone calls and still get things accomplished from afar.

“Without this young lady here, this wouldn’t be what it is,” said Sherwin pointing to committee member, Carla Blalock. “We needed a big contact in Live Oak to really get this thing started. We just contacted her and she ran away with it,” he laughed.

Other committee members included Steven Schneitman, Mary Taylor, Gary Caldwell, Rhoshonda Herring and Lonnie Ford.

“The biggest thing was the Knots4Kids out of Jacksonville,” said Sherwin. “They’re doing all the modules.”

Knots4Kids (K4K) is a not-for-profit organization that “...establishes strategic alliances with youth organizations, churches and individuals who share our vision in making a difference in our community,” according to their web site.

“Today has been a wonderful day,” said President of Knots4Kids, Efferem Williams. “I hope that they (the boys) have experienced an opportunity to see themselves in transition from boyhood into manhood.”

For about an hour before the event got underway, people were filing in, enjoying a continental breakfast and meeting and greeting everyone.

Once it began and all participants went in the SHS auditorium, the first guest speaker to address the young men was Live Oak Mayor Sonny Nobles. He opened by thanking those in attendance as well as those who provided the time and inspiration to make the event happen and be successful.

“Each of you, especially you young folks out there will go away from this place today better people and be better prepared to face the future,” said Nobles. “It’s a privilege for me to be asked to a part of this event as mayor and as someone who taught and coached Gary Edwards and worked alongside him at Suwannee Middle School.”

Nobles continued in describing Edwards as a loving, dedicated husband and father and that many admired him. He also mentioned how Edwards was a man of faith and this led him to do good things for God and his community.

Nobles ended encouraging words.

“Gary Edwards served as role model especially for the young people participating in this event here today,” said Nobles. “Gary was taken from us way too soon, but his legacy lives on and serves as an example and inspiration and model for us all.”

Following Nobles was Suwannee County Sheriff, Tony Cameron. He started by saying,

“The first thing I thought of when I woke up was due to my anticipation of what this day has to offer to you young men,” said Cameron. “Because you young men are what this day is all about. I prayed that God would guide my words as I spoke to you young men this morning and I hope that every word that comes from my lips today to you are His words just flowing from me.”

Cameron said that he had been blessed with the unique situation that his wife grew up knowing Edwards and both becoming great friends. Later, Cameron grew to know and work alongside him and considered him his friend, too.

“Gary had a special quality and I watched Gary stand up for what was right even when others looked down upon him because he was doing what was right and not what was popular,” said Cameron. “Gary was a true leader and a true leader will take a stand on an issue when he knows he is right.”

Cameron challenged the young men to take a stand as Edwards had done and help lead the community.

“You may be the sheriff of this county one day,” said Cameron. “You may be the mayor or a preacher or a doctor. You might be a school teacher, I don’t know what field that you’ll follow, but God has a purpose for each and every one of you and I challenge you to fulfill that purpose that He placed you on this earth for.”

Cameron encouraged the young men to learn to be the most successful people that they could be. He said it wasn’t about making the most money.

Shortly after, the young men were broken up into groups to go to their different  modules. After several hours of learning about respect, self confidence, positive attitude and making the right choices in eating, academics and treatment of others, they were visited and addressed by an SHS alumni and former NFL football player, Andra Davis. Davis’ career spanned over 10 years allowing him to play seven seasons for the Cleveland Browns, one season with the Denver Broncos and two seasons with the Buffalo Bills.

“There are many avenues to success other than playing professional sports or being an entertainer,” said Davis.

Davis asked a show of hands how many of the young men aspired to be professional athletes and almost every hand was raised.

“You know that’s crazy because I was just like you guys, so that’s good,” said Davis.

He then asked them who wanted to be doctors and lawyers later on in life. Hardly a hand was raised.

“Why not strive for the best?” he asked. “Why do you want to be a professional athlete because of the money or fame, why?”

Someone from the audience said that it was because he wanted to do something with his life. Davis said that was great and hoped he would make it. He then showed on a screen statistically how few people become professional athletes. He also said that most doctors and lawyers make a lot more money over a lifetime than a pro athlete. Davis didn’t want to discourage them, but wanted them to realize there were other opportunities and not to limit themselves to one goal or dream.

“You guys are so much more than just wanting to be an athlete,” said Davis.

He pointed out the statistics to show how many guys actually become pro football and basketball players. He tried to clarify and explain it in terms that he hoped might hit home better, that they would understand.

“You guys are not only competing with the guys here in Suwannee County, or Lake City or Madison or Jasper,” said Davis. “You’re competing with everybody in the United States.”

Davis explained he wanted them to reach for the stars. He said that he knew God had a plan for him as he admitted he wasn’t the best athlete.

“I wasn’t in the top five in Suwannee County,” said Davis. “But God blessed me to be in a position to make it.”

Davis’ main message was that education was the key to success. He said that a career in pro ball was limited and short-lived, but an education could last you a whole lifetime.

He said that after sports, your life isn’t over. You have to do something.

“Let sports be your ‘back up plan,’” said Davis. “Put your education first.”

Davis said that it was his mother who instilled in him the importance of an education and that it was something that no one could ever take from him.




The Rileys wanted to recognize and thank the following list of sponsors.

Gold Sponsor: Suwannee Correctional Institute

Silver Sponsor: Robert Ford

Bronze: Allen Chapel AME

Also Cheek & Scott Drugs of North Florida; First Federal Bank of Florida; Sellers, Taylor, and Morrison, P.A.; State Farm; Charles and Pauline Blalock; Malcolm and Patricia Hines; Jon and Kathy Wood; Allan Bonds; Rev. Clifton and Sonja Riley; VLFlows LLC;  James Cooper Lodge #21 and Gold Standard Lodge #167.