Recommendations

“Rory has played a significant role in the success of Amistad Academy, which has been held up by the U.S. Secretary of Education as ‘a national model for urban education.’ Our teachers and students are able to succeed in the classroom because the school culture that surrounds them—the school culture that Rory created—is unambiguously positive, disciplined, and achievement-oriented.

One of Rory’s greatest assets is his inspiring communication skills. He is gifted at being able to talk to urban kids and their parents about the importance of education, the necessity of respecting teachers, the power of self-control and self-determination, and their potential to be successful beyond their wildest dreams—if they stay focused and ‘work hard.’ When Rory stands up to speak, all eyes turn to him, and he is able to hold their attention. He is a wonderful extemporaneous speaker; he can speak eloquently without notes or much preparation at all. Of course, it seems as if Rory’s whole life has been preparing him for this work. His passion to close the achievement gap, especially for inner-city boys, runs deep. When he taps into it, he quickly earns the respect, trust, and commitment of any crowd.”

Dacia Toll
President, Achievement First Schools

“Rory Edwards is one of the most committed, passionate, and intelligent educators that I know. He brings to education a degree of passion and dedication that is rare in these times, and as his resume will attest, he has a combination of formal education and work and life experiences that are difficult to duplicate or exceed.”

William Jenkins, Author
President, William Jenkins Enterprise

“Mr. Edwards demonstrates an impressive array of accomplishments in education and in the community. He is undoubtedly an innovator who has succeeded in many challenging situations positions he has encountered. He is exceptionally bright, articulate, devoted, and emotionally mature with impressive professional skills. He sets high standards and ensures successful completion of his agenda whether in the professional arena or in the community. His unwavering support to the community is superlative.”

C. Charles Mate-Kole, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology
Director, Center for Africana Studies
Central Connecticut State University

“Mr. Edwards Saturday Academy reiterates the teachings of many of our parents, the program exposes my peers and I to a lot of African-American forefathers who have made great strides, impacts and contributions to this great land we call America. Hearing, reading, studying, researching, and just knowing more about theses individuals has inspired me to do my best.”

Marquis Fisher
Current Honor Student at Windsor High School, Connecticut and
former member of “Once A Man, Twice A Child” Academy