The following is an article from the 2023-2024 Soar Magazine. Read the entire magazine here.
It doesn’t take long after meeting SCA Headmaster Kenneth Roberts, Jr., to notice that he’s a dedicated, humble, servant-hearted leader and mentor on the basketball court, in the community, and as the headmaster of Sherwood Christian Academy.
Mr. Roberts has more than 25 years of education experience, including headmaster at Shiloh Christian Academy and assistant headmaster at Piedmont Academy. He was awarded Teacher of the Year for the Lamar County School System. He earned his master’s degree from Walden University and an Ed.S. from Valdosta State University.
Originally from Barnesville, Georgia, the Roberts family of eight landed in Southwest Georgia at Lee County Schools, and a series of God-ordained meetings and events led him to teach and coach at SCA. His roles over his years at SCA have included Bible teacher, basketball coach, football coach, high school and middle school principal, and assistant headmaster, up until January 2023, when he stepped into the role of headmaster.
But why the interest in Christian education?
As the father of two SCA alums and four children currently enrolled, Mr. Roberts says he could speak for a long time on why he appreciates SCA and Christian education. His highlights include “biblical instruction every day, the influence of godly men and women in everyday decisions, opportunities to develop well-rounded lives with activities such as One Act play, musicals, and championship-level athletics for grades third through 12th.”
As SCA’s headmaster, Mr. Roberts has influence on not only students, but also teachers and staff. He leads weekly faculty Bible studies in addition to his regular duties serving SCA staff and faculty. He said, “It is important to me that our faculty and staff are affirmed and encouraged regularly. If there is nothing to affirm or be encouraging about, I will take responsibility for that.”
His life verse is Matthew 6:33, and he applies it to all aspects of his life, including his leadership at SCA.
“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33, ESV).
“At SCA, we wholeheartedly believe if we honor the Lord in all that we do and continue to submit everything to the Lord in prayer, He will provide all our needs,” Mr. Roberts said.
A tangible example of Mr. Roberts’ uplifting and inspiring leadership was shared at SCA’s 2023 Catalyst Sports Awards Ceremony. While receiving the award for best coach in his role as interim head football coach of the 2022 state championship-winning season, Coach Roberts mentioned in his acceptance speech that he encouraged his assistant coaches to offer positive encouragement to their athletes at least 10 times before sharing any critique. This certainly had a profound impact on our varsity football athletes in their championship season. Imagine the significance and positive response if every coach and teacher in our community adopted this approach!
Mr. Roberts’ ability to lead others to their greatest potential didn’t happen overnight. God planted a desire to teach and coach in his heart as a sophomore in high school. A teenage Kenny Roberts witnessed his high school basketball coaches, Gerry Kosater and Jim Massey, building confidence and growth in everyone under their care through encouragement and accountability.
“They both inspired me to love students while also teaching them things that will impact their adult life,” Mr. Roberts said. “In fact, Coach Kosater became the headmaster of my alma mater and eventually my first boss in education. He was inspirational and encouraging as a leader of adults as well. Later, after accepting Christ in my 20s, I realized the most impactful way to reach students was with the gospel and the teachings of Scripture. As I grew in Christ, so did my desire to be an example of a godly man, coach, father, and husband.”
Continuing the same affirmative legacy of godly mentorship he received from his mentors, Coach Roberts’ positive influence with his players and students extends far beyond the field, the office, and his time leading secondary chapel services. His impact builds with each interaction with him in the hallway as he remembers every student’s name, the moments he stops during chapel or a staff meeting to pray for a need, his visits to the hospital to minister to a school family during a difficult time, and his time spent pouring wisdom into students.
Mr. Roberts not only leads SCA with excellence, but also serves in several roles that impact the community, such as being a Sunday school teacher for high school seniors, offering basketball clinics for young athletes, and serving as a godly mentor to many.
“I believe that every adult will have an impact on those around them,” Mr. Roberts said. “I want the impact that I have to be not only positive, but distinctively godly. If every young man or young lady that is placed under my care is pointed back to Christ, then I will consider myself a success. The only way young men and women know how to live a life with and for Christ is through His Word, the Holy Spirit, and those whom God sends to them as leaders.”
The future is bright at SCA, and we’re grateful for the leadership of Mr. Kenny Roberts!
